Question

Which of the following observations could be used as evidence to support the claim that production of hemoglobins is coded on the molecular location shown below?

A) When the molecular location is mutated, individuals exhibit abnormal hemoglobin production.
B) Hemoglobin production is not affected by any changes in the molecular location.
C) Hemoglobin production is only influenced by external factors and not by the molecular location.
D) The molecular location has no impact on the production of hemoglobins.

Answer 1

When the molecular location is mutated, individuals exhibit abnormal hemoglobin production, as demonstrated by conditions like sickle cell anemia, where a point mutation in the hemoglobin gene alters the protein's structure and function. (Option A)

Step-by-step explanation:

The observation that could be used as evidence to support the claim that the production of hemoglobin is coded on the molecular location shown is: A) When the molecular location is mutated, individuals exhibit abnormal hemoglobin production. This is supported by the example of sickle cell anemia, where a single amino acid substitution in the beta chain of hemoglobin results from a point mutation in the gene coding for this protein. This mutant hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped, leading to symptoms associated with anemia. As this mutation impacts hemoglobin structure and function, any mutation in the relevant gene or regulatory sequences can lead to various hemoglobin disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia, confirming the gene's critical role in hemoglobin production.