X-chromosome inactivation Flashcards

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1
Q

How can males and females both have the same level of gene expression even with a different amount of X chromosomes?

A

Females undergo X chromosome inactivation, so each sex only has one X chromosome expressing genes

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2
Q

How are X chromosomes inactivated?

A

They become highly condensed

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3
Q

What is the name of the inactivated X chromosome?

A

A Barr body

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4
Q

What determines which X chromosome gets inactivated in females?

A

Nothing, it is completely random

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5
Q

How does X chromosome inactivation affect the phenotype of X-linked genes?

A

Females can be a mosaic depending on which chromosome becomes inactivated and inherited by all the daughter cells through mitosis

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6
Q

What happens with this in heterozygotes?

A

Either allele can show. Whichever one continues expressing genes will be passed on to the daughter cells through mitosis and results in patches of colour

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7
Q

Why can’t male cats be calico?

A

They only have one X chromosome, so they can only be orange or black

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8
Q

What has to be the genotype of a female cat for her to be calico?

A

She has to be heterozygous. Homozygous will result in being either orange or black

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