Question

Which is least likely to arise from a point mutation in a regulatory region of a gene?

A: changes the time in organism's life during which protein is expressed
B: eliminates production of protein in a specific cell type
C: changes the subcellular localization of a protein
D: increases the level of protein production in cell

Answer 1

The least likely outcome of a point mutation in the regulatory region of a gene is changing the subcellular localization of the protein, as localization is generally determined by the protein's own sequence or post-translational events.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the effects of a point mutation in a regulatory region of a gene, specifically in the context of gene expression regulation. Among the options given, the one least likely to arise from such a mutation is C: changes the subcellular localization of a protein. Regulatory regions typically influence when and where a gene is expressed, including the level of expression and the time in an organism's life when the protein is produced. However, they are not directly involved in determining the subcellular localization of the protein, which is usually dictated by the protein sequence itself or post-translational modifications.