Molecular Biology 5th Edition by Robert Weaver

Exercise 8

You are a molecular biologist interested in learning more about the fascinating process of V(D)J recombination. Assuming that you are capable of generating all of the following possible variants, explain what effect (from a molecular process standpoint as well as a physiological and/or immunological standpoint) you would expect to observe if the following were created in your laboratory:
a. the removal of all of the D gene segments from the section of the genome encoding the heavy chain of antibodies.
b. the removal of all of the D gene segments from the section of the genome encoding the beta chain of T-cell receptors.
c. the genetic alteration of the RSS flanking the D gene segments from a 12 signal to a 23 signal.
d. the elimination of expression of the RAG gene products.