Question

In the Gal4/UAS system:

a. By targeting specialized promoter types for Gal4 expression, you can have Gal4 expression for special classes of cells.
b. Gal4 expression happens regularly in all cells, but the response to Gal4 can be specialized for special classes of cells.
c. Gal4 helps activate UAS, enabling transcription of a downstream sequence.
d. Gal4 inhibits the UAS, allowing regulation of a downstream sequence.

Answer 1

In the Gal4/UAS system, Gal4 activates UAS enabling the transcription of a gene downstream, which allows for specific gene expression in targeted cell types or tissues for research purposes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Gal4/UAS system is widely used for gene expression studies, particularly in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. The correct statement among the provided options is 'c.' Gal4 helps activate UAS, enabling transcription of a downstream sequence.

By targeting specific promoters for Gal4 expression, you can indeed induce Gal4 expression in particular classes of cells. This targeted expression allows scientists to study gene function and regulation in specific tissues or stages of development. When Gal4 is expressed, it can bind to the upstream activator sequence (UAS) and activate transcription of a gene or sequence located downstream. This system is an incredibly powerful tool for researchers because it allows for precise control over where and when a gene is expressed.

The system does not involve Gal4 regularly expressed in all cells, nor does Gal4 inhibit the UAS. Instead, it is the interaction between Gal4 and the UAS that is harnessed to regulate gene expression in a targeted fashion.