Refer to the table showing results from an experiment in which researchers used

Question

Refer to the table showing results from an experiment in which researchers used CRISPR technology to knock out various genes from a plant. They then examined plant stem height (in centimeters, with calculated means) and seed production (number of seeds, with calculated means) with each treatment. (Note: The “x” marks genes that have been knocked out.)

Some researchers have suggested that trade-offs exist between plant stem height and seed production—if too many resources are used in growing stems, seed production may suffer.

1. Which one of the gene knockouts provides evidence that supports this hypothesis? Briefly explain your answer.

2. Which one of the gene knockouts provides evidence that contradicts this hypothesis? Briefly explain your answer.

Plant Stem (cm; mean) 61.5 59.5 Gene Gene Gene Gene Gene Fertility mean) 85.5 87.5 82 47 39 54 Height (number of seeds; Control 38.5 61.5 89.5

Explanation / Answer

Please find the answers below:

Part 1: Gene C: According to the hypothesis, if too much of the plant resources are utilized to grow stem height, fertility will decrease and seed production too shall decrease. This holds true for knock out of gene C where deletion of this gene causes not only significant decline in plant height but also causes a concomittant decline in plant fertility.

Part 2: Gene E: According to the tabulated data, it can be clearly seen that knock out of gene E causes a significant decline in fertility and seed production as compared to controls but it does not decrease the plant height. On the contrary, the plant stem height is increased in this particular case. Thus, this part of the data contradicts the hypothesis that there is a trade off between plant height and fertility and thus, failure of fertilization might not be directly related to plant height.

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