What fraction of the odor receptor gene family is active?

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Multiple Choice

What fraction of the odor receptor gene family is active?

Explanation:
Not all members of the odor receptor gene family can produce functional receptors. In humans, this gene family is huge, but most copies are nonfunctional pseudogenes. Roughly one third to two-fifths of the genes are actually functional and expressed, which works out to about 35% being active. That’s why the correct answer is about 35%—it reflects the proportion of receptor genes that can code for active, functional receptors in the olfactory system. The other options would imply far more or far less functional genes than what the data show, given the large number of nonfunctional copies.

Not all members of the odor receptor gene family can produce functional receptors. In humans, this gene family is huge, but most copies are nonfunctional pseudogenes. Roughly one third to two-fifths of the genes are actually functional and expressed, which works out to about 35% being active. That’s why the correct answer is about 35%—it reflects the proportion of receptor genes that can code for active, functional receptors in the olfactory system. The other options would imply far more or far less functional genes than what the data show, given the large number of nonfunctional copies.

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