Several temperature-sensitive mutant strains of E. coli display the following characteristics. Predict what enzyme or function is being affected by each mutation.
Synthesis is very slow.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of temperature-sensitive mutants in E. coli. These mutants have enzymes or proteins that function normally at a permissive temperature but lose function at a restrictive (higher) temperature, causing observable phenotypic changes such as slow synthesis.
2. Step 2: Identify what 'synthesis is very slow' refers to. In E. coli, synthesis could mean DNA replication, RNA transcription, or protein translation. Since the problem is general, consider which enzyme or function is critical for the overall synthesis process.
3. Step 3: Recall that DNA replication requires DNA polymerase, RNA transcription requires RNA polymerase, and protein synthesis requires ribosomes and associated factors. Slow synthesis suggests a bottleneck in one of these key enzymatic activities.
4. Step 4: Since the problem states 'synthesis is very slow' without specifying which type, the most likely affected enzyme is DNA polymerase if the mutation affects DNA replication, or RNA polymerase if it affects transcription. Consider which enzyme's impairment would broadly slow down synthesis.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the mutation likely affects an enzyme essential for nucleic acid synthesis, such as DNA polymerase or RNA polymerase, causing the observed slow synthesis phenotype at the restrictive temperature.

Key Concepts

Temperature-Sensitive Mutations

Temperature-sensitive mutations cause proteins to function normally at a permissive temperature but lose activity at a restrictive, usually higher, temperature. This allows researchers to study essential genes by observing phenotypic changes when the temperature shifts, revealing the role of the mutated enzyme or function.

Enzymes Involved in DNA Replication and Synthesis

DNA synthesis in E. coli requires enzymes like DNA polymerase, helicase, primase, and ligase. Mutations affecting these enzymes can slow or halt DNA replication, leading to slow synthesis. Identifying which enzyme is impaired helps explain the observed phenotype.

Phenotypic Effects of Mutations on Cellular Processes

Mutations in genes encoding enzymes involved in critical processes like DNA replication manifest as observable phenotypes, such as slow synthesis. Understanding how mutations alter enzyme function helps predict which step in the pathway is affected and the resulting cellular consequences.