Question

How many different genes were tested in the protein interaction studies?

Option 1: Over 10,000 genes.
Option 2: Fewer than 1,000 genes.
Option 3: Approximately 5,000 genes.
Option 4: No genes were tested; only proteins were examined.

Answer 1

Protein interaction studies examine the relationships between proteins and do not directly test genes. Humans have about 20,000 to 25,000 genes, which can express over 100,000 different proteins due to various regulatory mechanisms.

Step-by-step explanation:

When scientists study the interactions between proteins, they are investigating the complex relationships and functions that proteins have within a cell. Proteins are the functional molecules that actually carry out many of the tasks specified by our genetic code. The information stored in genes is used to produce these proteins through processes known as transcription and translation.

While it is true that humans have approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes, and these genes encode the instructions for making proteins, protein interaction studies focus on the behavior of proteins themselves, rather than the genes. In the context of these studies, gene expression is certainly relevant, as it dictates which proteins are present and available to interact. However, the studies themselves typically analyze the proteins after they are made, not the genes.