[Campbell Biology P.496] What is the primary purpose of the "functional map" developed by re... | Practice Question

What is the primary purpose of the "functional map" developed by researchers using the systems biology approach, as described in the text?

  • A: To illustrate the physical locations of proteins within a cell's organelles.
  • B: To track the real-time movement of individual gene products during cellular processes.
  • C: To graphically represent gene products based on the similarity of their interactions, forming a network-like protein interaction map.
  • D: To identify novel genes responsible for cellular metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis.

Explanation

The text states: 'This resulted in the network-like "functional map" of protein interactions shown in Figure 21.4. ... They then used computer software to build a graphic model by "mapping" the gene products to certain locations in the model, based on the similarity of their interactions.' This clearly defines the purpose of the functional map.