Genetics: A Conceptual Approach
Genetics: A Conceptual Approach
6th Edition
ISBN: 9781319050962
Author: Benjamin A. Pierce
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
Question
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Chapter 16, Problem 1TPSQ
Summary Introduction

To determine:

The advantage and disadvantage of using mathematical models to study biological processes such as the function of operons.

Introduction:

An operon is defined as a group of genes that have a common promoter and regulator and also transcribed as a single unit. This transcription results in the production of single mRNA which encodes several types of proteins.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

The advantage of using mathematical models to study biological processes such as the function of operons is described below as:

Igoshin and Rays both are computational biologists. They developed mathematical models for studying the fundamental problems related to biology. They induced mutations in bacterial DNA and then examined DNA with the help of mathematical models of gene network that could be processed on a computer.

By using the mathematical models, they determined the functions of operons and their regulations. With the help of their models, they determined that some operons have ability to regulate the gene expression. This regulation of gene expression is important because it maintains the internal flexibility of a cell by turning structural genes off and on. Thus, the main advantage of using mathematical models is to determine the function of an operon.

The disadvantage of using mathematical models to study biological processes such as the function of operons is described below as:

The mathematical models do not provide accurate results because these models determine the protein production on the basis of data provided by the biologists. They do not consider the other factors like environment factor, stress response which induces the high amount of protein synthesis inside the cell. Thus, the main disadvantage of mathematical models is that they do not provide accurate results.

Conclusion

The advantage of mathematical models is that they provide the information about the operon function. The disadvantage of mathematical models is that they did not give accurate output data.

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