A Drosophila stock that is heterozygous null for a unique nuclear target gene was sib-mated. The target gene is essential for the development of Drosophila. The embryos from the cross were analyzed and the following results were obtained:
• PCR analysis of the genomic DNA isolated from embryos showed that 25% of the embryos did not have the target gene.
• Northern analysis of the RNA isolated from the above embryos showed the presence of transcript corresponding to the target gene.
• No lethality was observed in the progeny.
Which one of the following options can best explain the above observations?
1
Transcripts of the target gene are paternally contributed.
2
Transcripts of the target gene are maternally contributed.
3
The transcripts are observed due to mitochondrial inheritance.
4
The transcripts are being detected from yeast that larvae eat.