Final answer:
Reverse genetics is utilized to study gene function by altering a gene to monitor the changes in phenotype, providing insights into the gene's role. This method includes mutating or deleting genes and employing reporter genes for observable traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
A specific gene can be altered in order to study its basic function via reverse genetics. This cutting-edge method involves either mutating or deleting the gene to examine the resultant phenotype and, thereby, deduce the gene's role. It essentially flips the traditional approach of genetic study on its head, as it starts with a known DNA sequence and proceeds to uncover the gene's function. Gene targeting is a key aspect of reverse genetics and utilizes recombinant DNA vectors to disrupt a gene's expression. Researchers may also use reporter genes, like those encoding beta-galactosidase or green fluorescent protein (GFP), which allow for the tracking of gene activity through observable characteristics, thereby giving valuable insights into the gene's role within an organism.