Question

which analogies accurately capture the relationship between the structural and regulatory sequences in a gene? select all that apply.
structural sequences are like the walls that hold a house up; regulatory sequences are like the roof that protects the interior.
structural sequences are like the screen and keyboard and circuitry inside a computer; regulatory sequences are like the software that turns the computer on and off and instructs its operations.
structural sequences are like wires, outlets, and light fixtures in a homes electrical system; regulatory sequences are like the switches that turn lights or circuits on and off or up and down.
structural sequences are like the power cord of a laptop computer; regulatory sequences are like the carrying case for that computer.
the fundamental point here is that the gene is a system with interacting parts. the structural elements and regulatory elements are the two most fundamental types of parts within each gene. the coding sequences and regulatory sequences of every gene are themselves made up of several to many sub - parts that interact.
the definition of a gene has evolved, and will continue to evolve.

Explanation:

• Structural sequences code for proteins or functional RNA (like computer hardware - screen, keyboard, circuitry). Regulatory sequences control when, where, and how much of the structural sequences are expressed (like software turning computer on/off and instructing operations). So the analogy with computer hardware (structural) and software (regulatory) is accurate.
• In a home electrical system, wires, outlets, light fixtures (structural - they are the components that can provide light etc.) and switches (regulatory - control when the light is on/off, at what intensity) is a good analogy as regulatory sequences control the "functioning" (expression) of structural sequences.
• The first analogy (walls and roof) is incorrect as both walls and roof are more like structural parts (they don't have a regulatory - structural control relationship). The fourth analogy (power cord and carrying case) is incorrect as there is no regulatory - structural interaction like in a gene.

Answer:

• B. Structural sequences are like the screen and keyboard and circuitry inside a computer; regulatory sequences are like the software that turns the computer on and off and instructs its operations.
• C. Structural sequences are like wires, outlets, and light fixtures in a home's electrical system; regulatory sequences are like the switches that turn lights or circuits on and off or up and down.