[Campbell Biology P.421] Based on the study by Waterland and Jirtle involving agouti mutant ... | Practice Question

Based on the study by Waterland and Jirtle involving agouti mutant mice, what was the primary effect of supplementing the mother's diet with methyl-donating compounds?

  • A: It caused the offspring to become obese and yellow.
  • B: It led to offspring with speckled brown fur and normal weight.
  • C: It resulted in a permanent mutation in the agouti gene.
  • D: It erased all methylation patterns in the offspring.

Explanation

The study found that supplementing the mother's diet with methyl-donating compounds like folic acid led to offspring with speckled brown fur the normal agouti phenotype and normal weight, reversing the effects of the unsupplemented diet.