Question

Plants: You isolate a plant with a loss-of- function mutation in the HJK gene. hjk genes don't elongate properly and have cells with abnormal phases of cell division. You show that the wild type HJK protein is required for proper orientation of cortical microtubules. Explain why hjk mutants display their mutant phenotypes

Answer 1

Mutation is the sudden changes in the base sequence of gene it may arise due to many factors. It may be harmful or

beneficial depending on its effect in the gene. As mutation occurs in the genetic level and genes are the hereditary units ,any

trait affected will be transfered from one generation to another.Provided in the above statement that wild type plant had hjk

genes which were essential for the proper orientation of microtubules.The arrangement of microtubules is necessary for the

spindle formation to take place during cell division and for movement of genes across the poles. Lack of microtubules

orientation leads to failure in movement of genes, formation of spindle fibers as a result cell elongation does not take

place.The gene in the plant lost function due to mutation(NON-SENSE MUTATION OR MISSENSE MUTATION) as a result

this inability to maintain orientation of microtubules is inherited and expressed as mutated phenotype