A researcher has arrived at a method to prevent gene expression from Drosophila embryonic genes. The following questions assume that he is using this method.
-The researcher in question measures the amount of new polypeptide production in embryos from 2-8 hours following fertilization and the results show a steady and significant rise in polypeptide concentration over that time. The researcher concludes that
A) his measurement skills must be faulty.
B) the results are due to building new cell membranes to compartmentalize dividing nuclei.
C) the resulting new polypeptides are due to translation of maternal mRNAs.
D) the new polypeptides were inactive and not measurable until fertilization.
E) polypeptides were attached to egg membranes until this time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The method used by the researcher prevents gene expression from Drosophila embryonic genes, which means that the new polypeptides observed cannot be the result of transcription and translation of newly synthesized embryonic mRNA. However, there are already existing maternal mRNAs in the egg that are translated during early embryonic development, and this is likely the source of the observed increase in polypeptide concentration. Choice A is not a reasonable conclusion without any evidence, and choices B, D, and E do not account for the increase in polypeptide concentration.

A Researcher Has Arrived at a Method to Prevent Gene