S7Bio4 Homework Bac type question 2022-2023

Section 2: Synthesis exercise

S7Bio4 Homework Bac type question 2022-2023
 S7Bio4 Homework Bac type question 2022-2023

a) We are told in the text that the protein that allows for KI pigs to do thermogenesis is a channel protein found in the inner membrane
of mitochondria in certain tissues. Therefore, in the case of KI pigs thermogenesis takes place in mitochondria, making it pretty extense
throughout the body, although it is mentioned that it only occurs in certain tissues. Also, as we can see from figure 3, most of the heat
produced by the pigs was found around their extremities, extending through their legs and also in certain areas of their abdomen. It's
therefore safe to assume thermogenesis doesn't happen, at least massively, around the head area, and tends to happen more around
the extremities and abdomen.
When it comes to the skunk cabbages, we can see from diagrams 4 and 6 that almost all of the heat produced is found in the spadix,
the inner column-like structure of the plant, although some other heat can be found around the spade and the leaf, perhaps residual. It
isn't stated in the text where in the plant's cell thermogenesis might occur, but given how similar to the pigs' process it is it's likely the process
happens also within mitochondria.

b) It is stated in the text that the protein in question creates heat with "a mitochondrial pathway common to most other mammals". Given that
the protein is found in the inner membrane of mitochondria and that the mitochondrion's main function is to produce ATP, what conclusion
can be drawn other than that the protein creates heat through ATP synthesis? The protein could be "leeching" off of the H+ protons that are
being passed on by the electron transport chain, so that instead of producing as much ATP through ATP synthase some H+ molecules
would be redirected through this protein, allowing for heat to be produced. This, of course, results in a decrease in ATP production,
but it is balanced given the amount of heat that is produced by the protein.
As for the skunk, I would expect it to undergo a similar process, following the same path as in animals because UCP is still probably
found in mitochondria and not chloroplasts.

c) There are multiple aspects to consider when such a choice is made. For example, one could look at the ethic burden of it; is it ethical
to modify living organisms, in this case pigs, for experimental or research purposes?
Economically, it's hard to say whether the pig business will benefit from such a modification. Given the solution that these scientists now
offer, they would either keep spending money on heating for the pigs or they would spend money paying for these modifications to be
introduced to their pigs. Granted, once a few of the specimens have this protein it will probably be passed down as they breed,
but the introduction of the protein in the first place might take time and money. I personally think in the long run it could be a worthwhile
investment, as they could get their modified pigs to multiply and eventually be rid of those that don't have UCP.
Another factor to consider, given that we're talking about an industry that sells pig meat for consumption, is whether the implementation
of this protein will affect the product's, say, taste, or consistency. It seems unlikely, but it could be that because of a new protein being
introduced the pigs' meat will become worse than it was before, from their bodies being heated naturally rather than artificially or any
other number of reasons. This, of course, is purely speculation.
All in all I'd say given what we know it would be worth it to modify the pigs, on the grounds of it probably succeeding and being profitable
in the long run for the industry. More details about the modified pigs would help with a more specific analysis, though.

d) Although it is not stated in the text, it is very possible (almost certain, actually) UCP is found in mitochondria in both pig and skunk,
making it likely for them both to behave and evolve in the same way. Not only that, but we know that UCP is a heat producing protein,
which is the reason why skunks have it in the first place. Therefore we could assume that animals found in colder climates, ones that
would require hot-blooded organisms to heat themselves, would need to have such a protein to survive, meaning survival of the fittest
might be involved in the process.
Furthermore, given that survival of the fittest isn't restricted to a specific climate or organism, but rather that it applies to almost every
living being in every commmunity, it's even more likely that the fact that this protein could be found in completely different organisms
was coherent.

(I will upload this document as a pdf and also as a picture in case one is more convenient than the other.)