Question

Two yeast strains are identified. As the result of different mutations, each in a separate gene, each strain is auxotrophic for compound Y, a compound required for growth. Which of the following results would be expected in a complementation test involving these two strains?

a. Cells would grow only in the absence of compound Y.
b. One strain would require provision of supplement Y, the other would not.
c. Cells would grow without supplementing compound Y.
d. The cells would not grow if supplemented with compound Y.

Answer 1

In a complementation test involving two auxotrophic yeast strains with mutations in separate genes, the expected result would be that the cells grow without the need for supplementing with compound Y, as they complement each other's genetic deficiency.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two different yeast strains are both auxotrophic for compound Y due to mutations in separate genes, a complementation test can determine if the mutations occur in different genes. If the strains complement each other, the combined culture should be able to produce compound Y, restoring the ability to grow without the need for supplementing the medium with compound Y. Therefore, the expected result in a complementation test involving these two strains would be that the cells would grow without supplementing compound Y (option c).