Short Answers

#1:         Using the tumor suppressor gene p53 as an example, explain how mutations in the p53 gene can subvert the cell cycle, interfering with normal cell signaling pathways and resulting in cancer.  I will be looking for: 1) a description of normal cell signaling pathways, 2) the normal products of p53, 3) the mutated products of P53 and 4) how the mutation in p53 is part of the multistep model of cancer development.

#2:         Describe how the determination and differentiation of skeletal muscle cells from embryonic cells occurs.  Give specific details of how the myoD gene functions as a master regulatory gene.

#3:         A scientist wants to use E.coli to produce the animal protein beta-globin.  1) Describe the process she would take to successfully insert a foreign gene into a bacterium.  To her surprise, although she successfully transforms the E.coli, the protein produced by the E.coli is nonfunctional and contains fewer amino acids than the animal version.  2) What might account for this?  3) what could the scientist add to her original  procedure to successfully produce the beta-globin protein?

#4:         You are a mad scientist designing a virus that will destroy the human species.  1)  What will be specific elements of your virus’ structure and why would you choose those elements? 2) Describe the elements of the viral life cycle (how the virus replicates inside the host cell) that you will choose, including any enzymes that you will include.  3) Describe the life-history strategy of your virus, including its host range, how it is passed, and its virulence.  For each section of this question, justify your choices and be sure that your choices are realistic.  ***You cannot invent a virus that does not exist, you can only tinker with what nature has already provided.***