Before You Begin
Question #45296
The Question
The Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC) is a protein degradation machinery necessary for proper mitosis in animal cells. A novel mutation in an APC-regulating gene allows cells to prematurely bypass the metaphase-anaphase checkpoint without proper spindle attachment. Which of the following accurately contrasts the outcome of this mutation if it occurs in a somatic cell versus a germ cell?
Options
- A.
Somatic mutation promotes oncogenesis via chromosomal instability; germline mutation results in early embryonic lethality due to catastrophic aneuploidy during cleavage.
- B.
Somatic mutation arrests the cell permanently in the G0 phase; germline mutation leads to viable hereditary aneuploidy syndromes such as Klinefelter's syndrome.
- C.
Somatic mutation results in polyploidy due to the failure of cytokinesis; germline mutation prevents the formation of bivalents during Prophase I of meiosis.
- D.
Somatic mutation induces immediate p53-mediated apoptosis at the G1/S boundary; germline mutation causes a failure of homologous chromosome pairing.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
APC|Gene_Therapy_Germline_vs_Somatic|Cell_Cycle
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between the systemic impact of a germline mutation (affecting every cell in the developing embryo, leading to lethality if it involves core cell-cycle machinery) versus a somatic mutation (which creates localized mosaicism or tumors).
Common Misconception: Students often assume all germline mutations lead to viable Mendelian disorders or classic trisomies, failing to realize that mutations in fundamental mitotic engines like APC are embryonic lethal.
Furthermore, students frequently confuse APC defects (which cause aneuploidy) with cytokinesis failure (which causes polyploidy).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Cell Cycle and Cell Division - Class 11 |
| Concept | Anaphase Promotion Complex (APC) |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |