Asked by Ivannanda Falahandhika on Jun 02, 2024
Verified
In the Beadle and Tatum study, it was important that Neurospora was haploid because:
A) it is easier to grow haploid molds in the laboratory.
B) haploid molds have simpler nutritional requirements than do diploid molds.
C) a mutation that arises is not masked by a normal allele on a homologous chromosome.
D) haploid Neurospora will always mutate.
E) diploid Neurospora will always mutate.
Haploid
Referring to a cell or organism that contains a single set of unpaired chromosomes, as opposed to the diploid state which has paired chromosomes.
Homologous Chromosome
Chromosomes that are paired during meiosis, having the same genes at the same loci but possibly different alleles.
- Recognize the importance of model organisms like Neurospora in genetic studies.
- Depict the experimental strategies applied in examining the role of genes and the consequences of mutations.
Verified Answer
LJ
Lukshika JeyakanthanJun 09, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
In haploid organisms, any mutation that occurs in a gene will be expressed in the phenotype because there is no corresponding allele on a homologous chromosome to mask its effect. This characteristic was crucial for Beadle and Tatum's experiments to directly link mutations in specific genes to deficiencies in metabolic pathways, as each mutation led to a loss of function that could be observed without the complication of a second, potentially normal allele hiding the mutation's effects.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the importance of model organisms like Neurospora in genetic studies.
- Depict the experimental strategies applied in examining the role of genes and the consequences of mutations.