Researchers often work with temperature-sensitive mutations ________, because null alleles of these genes create mutants that cannot grow under any conditions.
A)that confer antibiotic resistance
B)in essential genes
C)that affect colony morphology
D)that affect metabolism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Temperature-sensitive mutations are particularly useful in studying essential genes because null alleles (complete loss-of-function mutations) in these genes would result in non-viable organisms under all conditions. Temperature-sensitive mutations allow the gene to function normally at one temperature but not at another, enabling researchers to study the gene's function by shifting the temperature.

Researchers Often Work with Temperature-Sensitive Mutations ________, Because Null Alleles