Question

1. a research team finds evidence that king cheetahs have a blotchy coat pattern caused by a mutation in the taqpep gene. which conclusion is best supported by this finding?

• the taqpep gene controls cheetah behavior, which indirectly alters spot shape.
• the mutation in the taqpep gene leads to altered protein production, which causes the change in coat pattern.
• the blotchy pattern is a direct result of environmental exposure during development.
• king cheetah spots form randomly, and there is no genetic cause.

Explanation:

Analyze the genetic mechanism

A mutation in a gene alters its DNA sequence, which changes the mRNA codon sequence during transcription.

Connect mutation to protein synthesis

The altered mRNA sequence leads to the translation of a modified amino acid sequence, producing an altered protein.

Link protein function to phenotype

The altered protein functions differently during development, resulting in the blotchy coat pattern phenotype.

Answer:

• The Taqpep gene controls cheetah behavior, which indirectly alters spot shape.
• The mutation in the Taqpep gene leads to altered protein production, which causes the change in coat pattern. (Correct answer)
• The blotchy pattern is a direct result of environmental exposure during development.
• King Cheetah spots form randomly, and there is no genetic cause.