In: Biology
While screening for genetic differences that might be related to Autism Spectrum disorder, you discover that a pair of siblings with ASD both have variations in the genes for a chloride importer, the potassium leak channel, an AMPA receptor, and a GABA reuptake transporter.
a) What changes in the function of those 4 proteins would you expect to see if they were associated with ASD according to the “Intense World” Theory?
b) For each gene, give an example of how a brain region affected by that variation would affect 1 of the 3 domains of impairments (social, communication, repetitive behavior) common in ASD. (Your answer will have 4 sections, one for each gene, and each section should refer to 1 of the 3 domains of impairments, and 1 specific brain region that might underlie that behavior)