In a series of experiments, the enzyme Dicer has been inactivated in cells from various vertebrates, and the centromere is abnormally formed from chromatin. Which of the following is most likely to occur?
A)The usual mRNAs transcribed from centromeric DNA will be missing from the cells.
B)Tetrads will no longer be able to form during meiosis I.
C)Centromeres will be euchromatic rather than heterochromatic and the cells will soon die in culture.
D)The cells will no longer be able to resist bacterial contamination.
E)The DNA of the centromeres will no longer be able to replicate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dicer is involved in the processing of small RNAs that guide the formation of heterochromatin. Without Dicer, centromeres may become euchromatic, disrupting their function and leading to cell death.

In a Series of Experiments, the Enzyme Dicer Has Been