Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Gene control

Gene control — practice question

Interpupillary distance (IPD) means the separation, in millimetres, between the centres of the pupils. Fig. 2.1 illustrates how IPD is measured. IPD is one example of a feature of human facial structure that varies. Fig. 2.2 shows the distribution of IPD values in a large sample of adults.
(a(i))[1]

What type of variation is shown in Fig. 2.2?

(a(ii))[3]

Suggest and explain how genes and the environment contribute to differences in IPD in humans.

(b(i))[3]

State the term used for a gene, such as $\textit{PAX3}$, that regulates the expression of other genes, and suggest how the $\textit{PAX3}$ protein regulates the expression of other genes.

(b(ii))[5]

Describe how microarray analysis could be used to find the genes activated by $\textit{PAX3}$ in embryonic cells.

(b(iii))[3]

Suggest how understanding the $\textit{PAX3}$ gene helps scientists explain why humans and chimpanzees differ greatly in facial structure, despite having very similar DNA.

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