Question

You and a group of scientists are mapping out gene regulation in a new species. Based on what is currently known about control of gene expression, the control point to begin your study at would be_____________.

A. degradation of mRNA.
B. splicing of mRNA.
C. the passage of mRNA through the nuclear membrane.
D. initiation of transcription.
E. initiation of translation.
F. posttranslational modification of proteins.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option D. "initiation of transcription".

Step-by-step explanation:

Gene regulation is the mechanism at which a gene can be induced or repressed to encode the protein for which it is translated. The control point to begin a study of gene regulation is the initiation of transcription. The initiation of transcription by the RNA polymerase in the ribosome is the first step at which a gene can be regulated, and the most commonly used in nature. Therefore, it should be the first mechanism to be studied in a new species which gene regulation is not known.