Testing the GAL Gene Cluster Hypothesis in Yeast
Author Information
Author(s): Gregory I. Lang, David Botstein
Primary Institution: Princeton University
Hypothesis
Does selection for coordinated gene expression underlie the clustering of GAL genes in the yeast genome?
Conclusion
Disrupting the GAL gene cluster does not impair fitness, suggesting that genetic linkage, rather than coordinated expression, drives the origin and maintenance of metabolic gene clusters.
Supporting Evidence
- Clustering coordinates the expression of GAL1 and GAL10.
- Disrupting the GAL cluster does not decrease fitness in any tested conditions.
- The study suggests that genetic linkage may be the main reason for the maintenance of the GAL gene cluster.
Takeaway
Scientists wanted to know if genes that help yeast eat sugar are better when they are close together. They found that it doesn't really matter if they are close; the yeast can still do just fine.
Methodology
The study involved creating yeast strains with different configurations of GAL genes and measuring their expression and fitness under various conditions.
Limitations
The study could not rule out the possibility of very small selective forces affecting the maintenance of the GAL cluster.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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