I pasted the sequences of human and chimps into Transeq and this is what I got:
>exo18_MYH16_human_1
EQLNKLMTTLHSRTPFCPLYYPQ*V*AIG
>exo18_MYH16_ximpanze_1
EQLNKLMTTLHSTAPHFVRCIIPNEFKQSX
I know that the * signifies gaps. I need help with this question, as I am not sure what it means/how to answer it? Thanks!
Speculate with the functionality of the orthologs in humans taking into account that the gene under study has 42 exons.
To speculate on the functionality of the orthologs in humans based on the given sequences, we need to compare the sequences of the two proteins and analyze any differences. Here's how you can approach this question:
1. Identify the differences: Start by aligning the two protein sequences and highlighting any differences between them. In this case, the differences are represented by the gap symbol "*", indicating an insertion or deletion in the sequence.
```
Human: EQLNKLMTTLHSRTPFCPLYYPQ*V*AIG
Chimpanzee: EQLNKLMTTLHSTAPHFVRCIIPNEFKQSX
```
2. Analyze the gaps: Since gaps can indicate insertions or deletions, it is important to determine whether they occur in critical functional regions. In this case, the gap is present only in the human sequence, at position 16 ("*V*").
3. Consider the number of exons: The fact that the gene under study has 42 exons is relevant information. Exons are the coding regions of a gene that are translated into proteins, while introns are the non-coding regions that are spliced out during RNA processing. The number and structure of exons can provide insights on the protein's function and structure.
4. Interpret the findings: Speculating on the functionality based solely on the given sequences and information about the number of exons is challenging. However, here are a few possible interpretations you can consider:
- The gap in the human protein sequence could indicate a deletion or insertion within an exon, potentially affecting the protein's function.
- The presence of the gap in the human sequence might result in a truncated protein or a frame-shift mutation if it occurs in an exon.
- It is also worth noting that the difference in the last amino acid ("Q" in human, "X" in chimpanzee) could potentially impact protein function.
Keep in mind that this speculation is limited and more information, such as protein structure or additional biological insights, would be required for a more accurate interpretation of the functionality. Further analysis, such as protein modeling or experimental studies, might be necessary to validate any hypotheses drawn from the sequence comparison.
Remember, this is a speculative understanding based on the limited information provided. It is always best to consult scientific literature or experts in the field for a more comprehensive and accurate analysis.