Purchase Solution

simple mechanistic hypothesis

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

One can create "knockout" mice that are missing a specific gene through a process called gene targeting. An investigator created such a mouse for a cell surface receptor expressed by the vast majority of B and T lymphocytes called Mel-14. After creating mice homozygous for this mutation (termed Mel-14-/-), she compared the number of B and T cells in the lymph nodes and spleen in wild type and Mel-14-/- mice. The data are summarized in the Table attached.

Recall that lymphocytes recirculate between blood and lymph; and lymphocytes in each lymph node drain into the thoracic duct. To further characterize the Mel-14-/- phenotype, she performed a thoracic duct cannulation on groups of Mel-14-/- and wild type mice and collected and counted the number of thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDL) every 2 days over a 10 day period. Finally, after day 10, all cannulas were disassembled and the number of splenic lymphocytes in these mice determined. The data are summarized in Figures 1 and 2 (see file attached). Data from wild-type mice are shown in open bars; data from Mel-14-/- mice in closed bars.

- What can you conclude from this experiment? What is the reasoning supporting this conclusion based off data?
- What is a simple mechanistic hypothesis regarding the role of Mel-14 in lymphocyte trafficking that is consistent with these data?
- What is one more experiment that would explore the validity of this proposed hypothesis. What would be the result you would expect if this hypothesis were correct?

See attachment for graphs and data.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

This solution analyzes why MEL-14 is important for T cells, and possibly other cells, to enter lymph nodes.

Solution Preview

The policy of Brainmass is to provide a guide to help you answer the questions, rather than completing the assignments for you. Please let me know if you have any questions.

What can you conclude from this experiment? What is the reasoning supporting this conclusion based off data?

You can conclude that MEL-14 is important for T cells, and possibly other cells, to enter lymph nodes. In the knockout mice, ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Breastfeeding Basics

How much do you know about breastfeeding? Find out with this quiz!

Vision and Oculomotor Control

This quiz will test the student's knowledge of the neural underpinnings of the visual system and its central pathways.

Parts of the Brain

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

Breast Milk and Breastfeeding

How much do you know about breast milk and breastfeeding? Double check your knowledge level with this quiz!

Identifying Variables in Science Experiments, Part 2

Using sample experiments, test yourself to see if you can identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables. Identifying variables is key in understanding and developing experiments. The questions are biology related, but this can be applied to any area of science.