Question

ANswer check..

Answer 1

alright, here are my thoughts:

gene 1 mutant causes buildup of cortisol
gene 2 mutant causes buildup of progesterone
gene 1 and 2 together cause buildup of progesterone (not cortisol)

which must mean, together, gene 2 masks the effect of gene 1 otherwise we'd get excess cortisol in the gene 1 + 2 condition

that's why I believe it's pathway 1. if both mutations are present then neither enzyme will work, stopping it at the first step which is progesterone (not cortisol)

Answer 2

I see. it would make sense in the gene 2 is epistatic to gene 1 scenario

Answer 3

could you jut explain the concept of a gene being epistatic

Answer 4

an epistatic gene will determine the expression or non-expression of another gene

in humans, albinism is controlled by an epistatic gene. if you're recessive for the albino trait you will have albinism regardless of your other skin color alleles (which are de-activated)

Answer 5

so if "gene A is epistatic to gene B" then gene A can "mask" the effect of gene B

Answer 6

so mask meaning inactivate

Answer 7

like cover up the duty of thatgene

Answer 8

yeah pretty much