FreeThinker Posted March 12, 2007 Posted March 12, 2007 Hey all, Since RNA polymerase, and a bunch of other enzymes, are needed to translate DNA into proteins, where does the first RNA polymerase of a new organism come from? My guess is that it must be inherited from one of the parents. If so, which single RNA enzyme gets chosen to be passed down to the offspring, or is a new one synthesized from the DNA just before the gamete is made? Are there cases where a defective enzyme has been passed down and no DNA translation took place? My lecturer did not have the answer to these questions and I couldn’t find much on Google (probably because I couldn't phrase it properly in the search).
FreeThinker Posted March 13, 2007 Author Posted March 13, 2007 Was I not clear enough in my question or doesnt anyone know the answer?
Bluenoise Posted March 14, 2007 Posted March 14, 2007 An egg contains all the enzymes necessary for the growth of an offspring post firtilization. Actually it also contains a tonne of mRNA from the mother. Most initial gene expression post-fertilization is actually of maternal genes. It takes a little while for the new organisms genome to kick in. I don't understand why you think that a single enzyme needs to be chosen to be passed down... Basically initially the egg cells from the female are filled with maternal enzymes and genetic material. Post fertilization eventually the offsprings enzymes replaces the mothers gradually.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now