Question

Classical genetic approaches to studying gene activity include all of the following EXCEPT

a. identifying naturally occurring mutant organisms with phenotypes of interest
b. using CRISPR to knock out a gene of interest
c. mutagenizing organisms and isolating mutants with a desired phenotype
d. using genetic screens for conditional mutants

Answer 1

Option b is correct option. Classical genetic approaches include methods like identifying natural mutants and mutagenizing organisms, but not modern techniques like CRISPR. The correct answer, which is not a classical approach, is 'using CRISPR to knock out a gene of interest'.

Step-by-step explanation:

Classical genetic approaches to studying gene activity involve methods such as identifying naturally occurring mutant organisms with phenotypes of interest (option a), mutagenizing organisms and isolating mutants with a desired phenotype (option c), and using genetic screens for conditional mutants (option d).

One modern technique that is not considered a classical genetic approach is using CRISPR to knock out a gene of interest (option b). This technique falls under the category of reverse genetics, which is a more recent innovation that involves manipulating a gene to observe the resulting phenotypes.

In contrast, classical genetics typically begins with an observable phenotype and then works to determine the genetic basis of that phenotype.