Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which type of mouse has a genetic mutation that prevents T lymphocyte development?

1. Nude mouse

2. Golden mouse

3. Chipmunk mouse

4. White-footed mouse

The correct answer is: Nude mouse

The nude mouse is characterized by a genetic mutation that impacts the development of T lymphocytes, which are crucial for the immune response. This mutation leads to the absence of a thymus, the organ responsible for T cell maturation. As a result, nude mice are immunodeficient and are often used in research settings to study immune function, cancer, and other diseases where a functional immune system could interfere with the experimental outcomes. In contrast, the other mice listed do not have this specific mutation affecting T lymphocyte development. The golden mouse is not related to T cell deficiency and is often used in studies related to genetics and behavioral research. The chipmunk mouse and white-footed mouse are also not associated with T cell deficiencies but rather have different ecological and biological characteristics. Thus, their presence does not have the same significance in studies focused on the immune system as the nude mouse does.