When the GAL gene system is activated, galactose binds to the UAS regulatory region.
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes
GAL Regulation
Problem 22c
Textbook Question
Explain how the following mutations would affect transcription of the yeast GAL1 gene in the presence of galactose.
A mutation within the GAL80 gene that blocks the ability of Gal80 protein to interact with Gal3p.

1
Understand the normal regulatory mechanism of the GAL1 gene in yeast: In the presence of galactose, Gal3p binds galactose and interacts with Gal80 protein, which normally inhibits the transcriptional activator Gal4p. This interaction releases Gal4p to activate transcription of GAL1.
Identify the role of the GAL80 gene product: Gal80 protein acts as a repressor by binding to Gal4p and preventing it from activating transcription when galactose is absent.
Analyze the effect of the mutation in GAL80 that blocks its interaction with Gal3p: Since Gal80 cannot bind Gal3p, the normal galactose-induced relief of repression cannot occur.
Predict the consequence on GAL1 transcription in the presence of galactose: Because Gal80 remains bound to Gal4p (not released by Gal3p), Gal4p remains inhibited, leading to reduced or no transcription of GAL1 despite the presence of galactose.
Summarize the overall effect: The mutation causes a failure in the induction of GAL1 transcription by galactose, effectively keeping the gene turned off even when galactose is available.

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
3mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
GAL1 Gene Regulation in Yeast
The GAL1 gene in yeast encodes galactokinase, essential for galactose metabolism. Its transcription is tightly regulated by the presence of galactose, involving a network of proteins that either activate or repress gene expression depending on environmental conditions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
GAL Regulation
Role of Gal80 and Gal3 Proteins
Gal80 is a repressor protein that binds to the activator Gal4, preventing transcription of GAL genes. Gal3 acts as a sensor for galactose and, upon binding galactose, interacts with Gal80 to relieve its repression, allowing transcription to proceed.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Proteins
Effect of Mutations Disrupting Gal80-Gal3 Interaction
A mutation in GAL80 that blocks its interaction with Gal3 prevents Gal80 from being inactivated in the presence of galactose. This results in continued repression of GAL1 transcription despite galactose availability, as Gal80 remains bound to Gal4, inhibiting gene activation.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Maternal Effect
Related Videos
Related Practice
Multiple Choice
477
views
1
comments