Can I find it in cheek cell DNA?

Question

If I wanted to analyze a human gene that encodes a protein produced only in the liver, would I be able to find that gene in cheek cell DNA? How? Why?

Answer 1

Yes, absolutely. The copy of DNA in every cell is identical (well, virtually identical anyway) and contains all the genes coding for all proteins. However, which gene is **expressed** is tightly controlled and is different from cell type to cell type. All you'd have to do is to isolate the DNA, then clone it using any of the standard methods; since you are looking for a particular protein, you could easily make primers to the gene and clone it in a day or so.

Answer 2

Yes, because the DNA is the ultimate blueprint and it is repeated in each and every cell no matter where the cell is located or what it does. They all have the same code inside.

We are just beginning to learn that code and what it means. We know all the letters of it, but we are far from knowing what it all means or how to change it. We are at the dawn of an exciting age when we can read all of the code and decipher the ultimate human blueprint.

The protein may only be found in the liver, but the instructions on how to make that protein are written inside of every single cell. A simple sample of spit would have the DNA that you need.

gymnastbaby is wrong she is looking for what is being built, not for the original instructions to build it. If I make blueprints on a shoe factory and include the plans for the machines, I don't have to include the plans for the shoes themselves; the machines have those inside of them because of how they were built. The factory can change those plans. When the liver is created it has a job to do and it's design knows what it has to make to do that job. You may not find the plans for the actual protein, just the plans for the liver to make the protein. When the liver is put into the body it becomes part of that factory and it is programmed to perform. The liver makes that protein you are interested in because other parts of the body tell it to.

We aren't sure of all the information contained in the genes, it might include the exact plans for the protein, or just the plans for the bio-machinery that makes it.

Answer 3

You would be able to find the gene, but as you stated, not the protein. The reason is that differentiated cells (eg. liver, blood, etc) modify DNA by acetylation and methylation based on the type of cell so that only certain genes are expressed. Extracellular signals also play a role in genes that are expressed. Every cell (except erythrocytes) contains a full copy of the genome.

Answer 4

no because if it is a special protein or amino acid sequence specifically made for your liver, it would not be in your mouth. if it was in your mouth it would mean you are mutated, and have the liver cells in your cheek instead of cheek cells.

Answer 5

1. The plasma membrane and the nuclear membrane. 2. Because DNA is double stranded.