After reading the paragraph below, answer the questions that follow.
While DNA microarrays can be used to determine whether or not a gene is expressed in a cell, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) can be used to measure the extent of gene expression in cells and tissues. To perform qPCR, mRNA is extracted from cells and reverse transcribed to complementary DNA (cDNA). Using fluorescent DNA molecules that recognize specific gene sequences and DNA polymerase, copies of the gene sequence of interest are made. After the copies are made, a fluorescent detector measures the intensity of the fluorescent signal, which is proportional to the number of mRNA transcripts in the cell and corresponds to the level of gene expression in the cell.
-A pancreatic cell normally produces low levels of the protein insulin, but after a meal it produces large levels of insulin before returning to its initial state. Which of the following figures would represent qPCR data obtained from a pancreatic cell that went through this cycle?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

qPCR measures the extent of gene expression in cells and tissues. In the case of the pancreatic cell, after a meal it produces large levels of insulin before returning to its initial state. qPCR data in this case would show a sharp increase in insulin gene expression after the meal, followed by a decrease to basal levels. Choice C is the only figure that shows this pattern, indicating that it represents qPCR data obtained from a pancreatic cell that went through this cycle.

After Reading the Paragraph Below, Answer the Questions That Follow