Final answer:
Gene knockouts in mice are useful in developing models of human disease, identifying DNA binding proteins, and limiting mRNA production from the knockout and normal alleles. It is incorrect to say that only genes actively transcribed in the embryo can be knocked out.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gene knockouts in mice can be useful because:
a) They can be used to develop models of human disease
b) They identify DNA binding proteins
c) They limit mRNA production both from the knockout as well as the normal allele in diploids
d) Only genes that are actively transcribed in the embryo are susceptible to being knocked out
Gene knockouts in mice can be used to develop models of human disease. By knocking out specific genes in mice, scientists can observe the effects on the mice and gain insights into how those genes function and contribute to disease in humans. Gene knockout techniques also allow researchers to identify DNA binding proteins and limit mRNA production from the knockout as well as the normal allele in diploids. However, it is not true that only genes that are actively transcribed in the embryo are susceptible to being knocked out. Gene knockouts can be performed on genes at any stage of development.