Question

Very few genes are induced ('tuned on') during hibernation of ground squirrels. However 10 to 20 different genes expressions are increased and crucial to survival during hibernation. These include genes encoding:

Answer 1

Hibernation differs in temperature, energy conservation, and gene expression between small animals like ground squirrels and larger animals like bears.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hibernation differs in small animals such as ground squirrels and larger animals such as bears in several ways:

1. Temperature: During hibernation, ground squirrels can achieve an abdominal temperature of 0°C (32°F), while a bear's internal temperature is maintained higher at about 37°C (99°F).
2. Energy Conservation: Ground squirrels reduce their energy requirements by reducing their core body temperature and metabolic rate. On the other hand, bears go into hibernation and can go without eating for the entire winter.
3. Gene Expression: During hibernation, very few genes are induced in ground squirrels, while bears have up to 20 different genes expressions increased and crucial to survival. These genes encode proteins necessary for bear's metabolism and other physiological changes during hibernation.