Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap Course List)
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap Course List)
15th Edition
ISBN: 9781337408332
Author: Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher: Cengage Learning
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 15, Problem 2DAA

Enhanced Spatial Learning Ability in Mice Engineered to Carry an Autism Mutation Autism is a neurobiological disorder with symptoms that include impaired social interactions and repetitive, stereotyped patterns of behavior. Around 10 percent of autistic people also have an extraordinary skill or talent such as greatly enhanced memory.

Mutations in the gene for neuroligin 3, an adhesion protein that connects brain cells, have been associated with autism. One of these mutations is called R451C because the altered gene encodes a protein with an amino acid substitution: a cysteine (C) instead of an arginine (R) in position 451.

In 2007, Katsuhiko Tabuchi and his colleagues introduced the R451C mutation into the neuroligin 3 gene of mice. The researchers discovered that the genetically modified mice had impaired social behavior and superior spatial learning ability.

Spatial learning in mice is tested with a water maze, which consists of a small platform submerged a bit below the surface or a pool of water so it is invisible to a swimming mouse. Mice do not particularly enjoy swimming, so they try to locate the hidden platform as quickly as they can. When tested again later, they remember the platform’s location by checking visual cues around the edge or the pool. How quickly they remember is a measure of their spatial learning ability. FIGURE 15.14 shows some or Tabuchi’s result.

Chapter 15, Problem 2DAA, Enhanced Spatial Learning Ability in Mice Engineered to Carry an Autism Mutation Autism is a

FIGURE 15.14 Spatial learning ability in mice. Mice with a mutation in neuroligin 3 (R451C) were tested for learning performance: as compared with unmodified (wild-type) mice.

Did the modified or the unmodified mice learn the location of the platform faster in the first test?

Blurred answer
Students have asked these similar questions
Match each example of mutation to the correct effect on function. Hypomorphic mutation Hypermorphic mutation Antimorphic mutation Neomorphic A deletion results in the loss of part of a protein and the protein retains some of its normal activity. A mutant allele makes a protein with increased cataytic activity. A mutant form of a transcription factor binds new DNA sequences to activate different genes. A mutant from of a receptor protein interferes with the function of the wild-type receptor through heterodimerization.
Mutations within the genes for ARSs, are known to be cause certain human maladies, such as the neurodegenerative disorder Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease along with other central nervous system dysfunctions, and cancer. Interestingly, not all those who possess mutations within specific ARS genes do not display the disease phenotype. Provide at least one reason why a person might survive. Remember, do not just name a concept. Describe the concept and then explain WHY (on a molecular level) this explanation holds true.
THE MOLECULAR GENETICS OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS and of The following is the base sequence of DNA that codes for amino acids 506-510 of the protein that regulates the chlorine channels in the cell membrane. This protein contains a total of 1476 amino acids so this is a small part of the entire gene. DNA Template Strand: 3'TAGTAGAAACCACAA5' 1. What is the minimum number of DNA nucleotides in this whole gene? 2. What is the sequence of bases on the strand of DNA that is complementary to the template strand? 3. What mRNA will be formed from the template strand of DNA? 4. What amino acids will this mRNA code for? 5. If the 6th, 7th and 8th bases in the template strand of the DNA are removed, rewrite the new template strand below. 6. When the template strand of the DNA is changed, this is referred to as a mutation. What kind of mutation is this? 65
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...
Biology
ISBN:9781305117396
Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap...
Biology
ISBN:9781337408332
Author:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap...
Biology
ISBN:9781305073951
Author:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Co...
Biology
ISBN:9781305251052
Author:Michael Cummings
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Animal Communication | Ecology & Environment | Biology | FuseSchool; Author: FuseSchool - Global Education;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsMbn3b1Bis;License: Standard Youtube License