Question

A researcher generates a yeast mutant in which the microfilaments are observed to be extremely unstable at the minus ends. Which of the following would be consistent with this phenotype?

A. Increased polymerization at the plus ends
B. Decreased polymerization at the plus ends
C. Enhanced depolymerization at the minus ends
D. Stabilization of the actin filaments

Answer 1

A yeast mutant with unstable microfilaments at the minus ends may be consistent with enhanced depolymerization at the minus ends. Hence, option C) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

A yeast mutant with unstable microfilaments at the minus ends may be consistent with enhanced depolymerization at the minus ends (option C).

Actin filaments undergo a dynamic process of polymerization and depolymerization, with ATP-bound actin monomers joining the plus end and ADP-bound actin monomers dissociating from the minus end. If the mutant has increased depolymerization at the minus ends, it would result in instability, causing the observed phenotype.