In the mammalian eye, the lens is composed of a large number of cells called len

Question

In the mammalian eye, the lens is composed of a large number of cells called lens cells. Only lens cells along the edges are close to a blood supply where they exchange nutrients and waste molecules. Lens cells in the middle of the lens are connected via gap junctions. Cataracts appear as a cloudiness that develops in the lenses of the eye, often with age. Biologists have suspected that cataracts result from a disruption in intercellular communication between lens cells through gap junctions. Which type of investigation would best provide more information about whether gap junctions are involved in cataract formation? a. Engineer mice to carry a mutation that knocks out connexin protein, and test to see whether these mice develop cataracts at a younger age than control mice. Break open lens cells that have developed cataracts, isolate the cytoplasmic fraction, and test it for elevated nitric oxide levels. b. Quantitatively compare mRNA transcripts in lens cells that have been affected by cataracts, and compare them to unaffected controls. c. Measure cAMP levels inside lens cells that have developed cataracts, and compare them to controls without cataracts. d. Count the gap junctions in lens cells, and compare to the number of gap junctions found in other cells, such as heart cells.
In the mammalian eye, the lens is composed of a large number of cells called lens cells. Only lens cells along the edges are close to a blood supply where they exchange nutrients and waste molecules. Lens cells in the middle of the lens are connected via gap junctions. Cataracts appear as a cloudiness that develops in the lenses of the eye, often with age. Biologists have suspected that cataracts result from a disruption in intercellular communication between lens cells through gap junctions. Which type of investigation would best provide more information about whether gap junctions are involved in cataract formation? a. Engineer mice to carry a mutation that knocks out connexin protein, and test to see whether these mice develop cataracts at a younger age than control mice. Break open lens cells that have developed cataracts, isolate the cytoplasmic fraction, and test it for elevated nitric oxide levels. b. Quantitatively compare mRNA transcripts in lens cells that have been affected by cataracts, and compare them to unaffected controls. c. Measure cAMP levels inside lens cells that have developed cataracts, and compare them to controls without cataracts. d. Count the gap junctions in lens cells, and compare to the number of gap junctions found in other cells, such as heart cells.

Explanation / Answer

Option a) Investigation following knock out of connexin protein and comparing with controllec mice will provide more information as gap junction is formed by interaction of two connexon which forms aquous pore allowing water soluble molecules to pass between cells. Each connexon is made of six connexin proteins. So disruption of connexon protein might form cataract.

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