Purchase Solution

A recessive mutation in the human genome...

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

1. A recessive mutation in the human genome results in a condition called anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, which is associated with an absence of sweat glands. The condition can be detected by studies of the electrical conductivity of the skin, because skin without sweat glands has a lower electrical conductivity (higher resistance) than normal skin. In kinships in which the recessive allele is segregating, affected males are found to show low conductance uniformly across their skin surface, as do affected females. However, many females show a mosaic pattern with normal conductance in some patches of skin and low conductance in others. The pattern of tissue lacking sweat glands is different for each mosaic female examined. How could this pattern of gene expression be explained?

Attachments
Purchase this Solution

Solution Preview

An interesting question!

When answering any questions in genetics where a different pattern is seen in males and females it is worth thinking immediately of the sex chromosomes as these of course differ in males and females.

In this question you have a situation where males and females are being affected. The gene must therefore lie on the X chromosome, it can't be on the Y ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Human Anatomy- Reproductive System

Do you know your reproductive anatomy?

The Heart

This quiz test the understanding of the heart and some of its parts. It is important to understand how the heart functions and what makes it function.

Creating a Birth Plan

Preparing for a birth and want to make sure that you're including all the right information? Use this quiz to get on the right track and check your birth plan knowledge!

Nerves and the Nervous System

This quiz will assess your knowledge of the nervous system and how nerves send signals around the body.

Parts of the Brain

This quiz will test your knowledge on different areas of the brain.