Selfish Gene query

[rob3]

Hey all,

I have been going over my UCAS statement (required for university entry) and have noticed an error of words, it is too late to change now however I believe there could be a way out.
What I need to know is a specific example of a gene actively inhibiting the expression of its allele in the phenotype, and the complexities of this process, any help would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks,

rob

[Ultrashogun]

Like an operon with a repressor?

[MrMistery]

"a gene actively inhibiting the expression of it's alele"
a dominant gene over a recessive one

[rob3]

Thanks,
How does a dominant gene inhibit the expression of its allele?

[sdekivit]

Thanks,
How does a dominant gene inhibit the expression of its allele?

it's gene dosage. Normally, 50% of the gene products suffices to function ok and thus most inborn errors of metabolism are recessive (50% of the normal gene suffices for normale metabolism)
Sometimes there are feedback loops that compensate for the reduced gene dosage at the transcriptional level.

--> in some cases 50% is not enough to function as it should and then we speak of haploinsufficiency.

[trent boyett]

For ideas involving a gene actively inhibiting the expression of its allele in the phenotype. You make acutally want to read "The selfish gene" by Richard Dawkins. It's very simplified though. Might not be what you're looking for but give it a try.

If I find my copy I'll have a scan through and find some examples.

[rob3]

I have read it, but I skipped some small bits out, I hadnt realised that it had any examples. Thanks.

[trent boyett]

What version have you got - because there's the one that came out march this year (the one I have) and then there's the classic 70's one.

[sdekivit]

"a gene actively inhibiting the expression of it's alele"
a dominant gene over a recessive one

yes: the dominant negative effect --. the dominant mutated gene can inhibit the product of the normal gene.

[rob3]

I have the new edition-30th anniversary copy. Thanks for all your help everyone.