A mutant channel protein is expressed in an oocyte.Compared to patch clamping experiments in oocytes expressing the normal channel,the length of downward deviations is diminished by half.This indicates:
A)the mutant channel doesn't make a functional channel.
B)the mutant channel doesn't stay open as long.
C)the mutant channel opens more frequently.
D)the mutant channel behaves the same as the wild-type channel.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The downward deviations in patch clamping experiments represent the flow of ions through an open channel. The fact that the length of the downward deviations is diminished by half with the mutant channel indicates that it does not stay open as long as the normal channel. Therefore, the best choice is B, which states that the mutant channel doesn't stay open as long.

A Mutant Channel Protein Is Expressed in an Oocyte