A mutation in yeast knocks out the ability of cells to convert pyruvate to ethanol.How might this mutation affect these yeast cells?
A)The mutant yeast will be unable to metabolize glucose.
B)The mutant yeast will be unable to grow anaerobically.
C)The mutant yeast will be unable to grow aerobically.
D)The mutant yeast will grow anaerobically only when provided glucose.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conversion of pyruvate to ethanol is the final step of anaerobic respiration in yeast. Knocking out this ability will prevent the production of ethanol and the mutant yeast will be unable to grow anaerobically. However, the mutant yeast can still metabolize glucose aerobically by entering the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain. Therefore, option A and C are incorrect. Option D is not entirely correct as the mutant yeast can still grow aerobically.

A Mutation in Yeast Knocks Out the Ability of Cells