Question

We know that loss of DNA bases is highly mutagenic. But a loss of DNA bases from which region will not have much affect at all?

(a) Centromere

(b) Satellite region

(c) Hot spots for recombination

(d) Telomeres

This question was addressed to me in an online interview.

My question is from Transcription in Eukaryotes : Gene Silencing at Telomere topic in portion Gene Expression : Transcription Prokaryotes of Cytogenetics

Answer 1

The correct choice is (d) Telomeres

For explanation I would say: Telomere genes are mostly silenced so in case of any deletion mutation the deletion will not be detected. However, loss of bases from anywhere else in the chromosome which transcribe RNA could be disastrous for the cell.