Question

1. Study Power Point for Chapter 18. What gene is mutated in Drosophila (fruit flies) that are missing a heart and die in early embryogenesis? What is the name of the human gene with similar sequence that causes heart defects in infants?

2. For Lou Gehrig disease, what gene is affected?
3. What did we find out about ALS using fruit flies? (describe in detail: the symptoms and the weird reading frames and the little polypeptides that result from the weird reading frames and how they contribute to the disease)

Answer 1

The tinman gene is mutated in fruit flies causing heart defects, while the NKX2-5 gene is related to heart defects in infants. The SOD1 gene is affected in Lou Gehrig disease. Fruit fly research has revealed symptoms, abnormal reading frames, and polypeptides associated with ALS.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Gene Mutations in Drosophila and Humans:

The gene mutated in Drosophila (fruit flies) that causes them to be missing a heart and die in early embryogenesis is called tinman (tin). In humans, there is a similar gene called NKX2-5 that has a similar sequence and is associated with heart defects in infants.

2. Gene Affected in Lou Gehrig Disease:

Lou Gehrig disease, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is caused by mutations in the SOD1 gene. These mutations lead to the degeneration of motor neurons.

3. ALS Research using Fruit Flies:

Research using fruit flies has provided valuable insights into ALS. Fruit flies with mutations in the gene encoding TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43), which is also associated with ALS in humans, exhibit symptoms such as motor defects and shortened lifespan. These flies also show abnormal reading frames, resulting in the production of small polypeptides that contribute to the disease.