Question

A wild type ion channel is open when a ligand is bound to the channel and closed when the ligand is absent. A mutant version of the ion channel is always open regardless of whether the ligand is present or absent. The mutation in the gene that codes for the ion channel is:___________

Answer 1

The mutation in the gene that codes for the ion channel is a loss-of-function mutation, resulting in a constantly open channel regardless of ligand presence.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mutation in the gene that codes for the ion channel is a loss-of-function mutation. This type of mutation results in a non-functional or defective protein. In this case, the mutation in the gene coding for the wild type ion channel leads to a mutation that prevents the ligand from properly binding to and closing the channel, resulting in a constantly open channel regardless of ligand presence.