14. You are studying regulation of the AFP gene in humans. You discover that the

Question

14. You are studying regulation of the AFP gene in humans. You discover that the AFP gene is only expressed in fetal liver, not in adult liver. You decide to measure the levels of Foxal mRNA in fetal and adult liver in humans (You know from your readings that Foxal activates AFP gene expression). Assume that AFP gene is expressed only by Foxal.(5pt) (1) What technique could you use to do this (Gjust state the technique, no details needed) (2) You find that Foxal is expressed highly in both fetal and adult liver. Propose a possible mechanism for how the AFP gene may be regulated during the development of liver and justify it. Your mechanism should include why AFP is expressed during fetal liver development, but is not expressed in adult liver.

Explanation / Answer

1.We will use Fluorescence insitu hybridisation (FISH).

2.AFP or Alpha-feto protein is produced from the first trimester of pregnancy and its main function is to prevent virilization in female fetuses.

It is expressed in fetal liver only because at that it has to prevent masculinization or the development of male characteristics in phenotypically female organism.

So this is the reason why it is only expressed in fetal liver and because after birth the gender of the individual has already been determined, it is not functional anymore and therefore is not produced.

Hope it helps, Good luck !!!

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