1.
a. It’s estimated that each human somatic cell contains two copies (one on each homologous chromosome) of about 21,000 genes. If you took a close look at one of these (differentiated cells), would you expect all copies of these 21,000 genes to be actively making proteins at any one time? If you say yes, explain why (generally) it would be advantageous for a cell to actively express all of its genes. If you say no, explain why (generally) it would be advantageous for a cell to express only some of its genes at any one time.
b. Is it possible the same gene to produce more than one type of protein? Explain your answer.
A). Not all cells require all the 21,000 proteins for their functions. Mostly proteins are cell/tissue specific. Some proteins are present only in some tissues (tissue markers) while lack some proteins. For instance, liver specific proteins are expressed only in hepatocytes.
Proteins are synthesized only when they are needed. Requirement of a protein is sensed by the cell via some stimuli (hormone, etc.) and induce its gene expression.
B) It is possible that the same gene to produce more than one type of protein in EUKARYOTES.
In eukaryotes, a pre-mRNA can be alternatively spliced to form different mature mRNA (thereby different proteins). Alternative splicing involves exon skipping or intron retention.
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