Question

Given the following mutations, predict whether the mutant would be able to sporulate or not.

a) a deletion of spo0F

b) a mutation that causes the Spo0F protein to be constantly phosphorylated

c) a deletion of the σ^A protein. Would this stain be viable?

d) a deletion of the σ^K protein. Would this stain be viable?

a mutation such that SpoIIAB could not bind to σ  

Answer 1

Answer a:)

Under the deletion of spo0F, the mutant will not sporulate because spo0F is crucial for initiating sporulation.

Answer b:)

If Spo0F protein is constantly phosphorylated, Masaya Fujita and Richard Losick's research found that it causes 2% efficacy of sporulation in compare to the wild type. Therefore, this condition will not produce spores significantly.

Answer c:)

At the start of sporulation, ​​​​​the housekeeping sigma factor σ^A is crucial for the induction of gene transcription as it binds to the alternative sigma factor σ^H. Therefore, this mutant will not viable.

Answer d:)

the σ^K protein is a late-appearing transcription factor, therefore, it will not cause any significant alteration in viability. Therefore, this mutant will be viable.

Answer e:)

The spoIIAB is crucial for inhibiting transcription of Spo0F gene, therefore, such mutation will not stop the sporulation. The cell will be viable.