Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
In the context of gene expression, what does 'redundancy' refer to?
A
The presence of multiple genes that can perform the same function
B
The suppression of gene expression by repressor proteins
C
The regulation of gene expression by environmental factors
D
The ability of a single gene to produce multiple proteins
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of 'redundancy' in biology, which refers to the presence of multiple elements that can perform the same function.
In gene expression, redundancy often means that there are multiple genes that can produce the same protein or perform the same function, ensuring that if one gene is mutated or non-functional, others can compensate.
Consider the role of redundancy in evolutionary biology, where it provides a buffer against mutations, allowing organisms to maintain essential functions despite genetic changes.
Differentiate redundancy from other gene expression mechanisms such as suppression by repressor proteins, which inhibit gene activity, or regulation by environmental factors, which alter gene expression in response to external stimuli.
Recognize that redundancy is distinct from the ability of a single gene to produce multiple proteins, which is typically achieved through alternative splicing or post-translational modifications.