Question

The human metallothionein IIA gene (hMTIIA) is transcriptionally regulated through the interplay of regulatory elements and transcription factors. What is the function of this gene, and how is it regulated by environmental circumstances?

Answer 1

The correct answer is - regulation of the heavy metal and their toxicity.

Explanation:

Metallothionein is a group of cysteine-rich, small in size, and highly conserved proteins that bind to various metal ions and regulate their activity or toxicity in transcriptional level.

Metallothionein IIA is one of the metallothioneins that binds to heavy metal and helps cells to be protected from the toxicity of these heavy metals. These proteins are present in almost every eukaryotic organisms virtually. These proteins are highly induced to express highly in the present of heavy metals.

Thus, the correct answer is - regulation of the heavy metal and their toxicity.