Question 8
(Multiple Choice)
Refer to the figure.
This figure shows the hourly changes in the production of messenger RNA (mRNA) encoded by the PK2 gene in mice exposed to a light-dark cycles of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness (LD), complete darkness for 2 days (2DD), and complete darkness for 8 days (8DD). How do these results support the hypothesis that PK2 is a clock messenger?
A) The production of PK2 depends on the amount of daylight that is available.
B) PK2 is produced in a circadian pattern independent of light-dark cues.
C) A mutation in certain key clock genes disrupts the circadian rhythm of PK2 production.
D) Prolonged periods of darkness increase the expression of the gene that produces PK2.
Answer