If a mutation in a silencer makes it much harder for proteins to bind to it, which is most likely to occur?
A) A specific gene near the silencer will be transcribed all the time, even when 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

Silencers are regulatory DNA sequences that, when bound by specific proteins, can repress the transcription of nearby genes. If a mutation makes it harder for proteins to bind to a silencer, the repression is lifted, leading to increased transcription of the gene(s) it normally silences, potentially causing the gene to be transcribed all the time, even when not needed.

If a Mutation in a Silencer Makes It Much Harder