Question

5. (2pts) a-thalassemia is a human genetic condition resulting in severe anemia because blood cells can not efficiently carry oxygen to body tissues. a- thalassemia occurs when the HBA1 gene is mutant such that no protein product is made or a non-functional protein is produced. Recently, microRNAs have been implicated in regulating expression of the HBA1 gene. Below is microarray data showing the amount of expression of different microRNAs where each row corresponds to the different miRNA indicated on the right. The columns show levels of miRNAs in cell samples collected from patients with a-thalassemia (right) or without (left). What is the best conclusion for the data shown? unaffected a-thalassemia miRNA-1 miRNA-2 miRNA-3 miRNA-4 miRNA-5 + + + expression level

Answer 1

It is given the expression of profiles of micro RNA's in affected and unaffected individuals. Now in alpha thalassemia, there is not found expression of HBA1 in the body.

microRNA which are expressed in unaffected individuals represnts that they are activator for HBA1 gene. Where as the micro RNA which are not expressed in unaffected individual shows that these micro RNA's are inhibitors of HBA1 gene.

That's why micro RNA's 1,2 and 3 are the inhibitor of HBA1 gene.

miRNA 4 and 5 are the activator of HBA1 gene.

answer are:

miRNA 2 inhibits the translation of HBA1 gene.

miRNA 3 inhibits the translation of HBA1 gene.

miRNA 5 activates the translation of HBA1 gene.

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