If a mutation in a silencer makes it much more difficult for it to be bound by proteins,what is most likely to occur?
A) A specific gene near the silencer will be transcribed all the time,even when it is not needed.
B) There will be a large decrease in transcription rates for most genes.
C) There will be a large increase in transcription rates for most genes.
D) The rate of transcription of a specific gene located near the silencer will be reduced,even when it is needed the most.
E) Transcription will be terminated prematurely.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A silencer typically acts to prevent transcription by binding to proteins that prevent RNA polymerase from binding to the promoter. If a mutation in the silencer makes it more difficult for it to be bound by proteins, then it will be less effective at inhibiting transcription. This means that the gene(s) near the silencer will be transcribed more often even when it is not needed, leading to increased expression of those genes. This is consistent with choice A. The other answer choices are not likely, as they involve more global effects on transcription rates or premature termination, which would not be expected from a mutation in a single silencer.

If a Mutation in a Silencer Makes It Much More