Question: A. Mice that are defective for Apaf1 (Apaf 1 -/-) or for caspase-9 (casp-9-/-) die around the tim…

a. Mice that are defective for Apaf1 (Apaf 1 ^-/-) or
for caspase-9 (casp-9^-/-) die around the time of birth
and exhibit a characteristic set of abnormalities, including brain
overgrowth and cranial protrusions. Why do you think these
abnormalities arise in these deficient mice?

b. In contrast to their brain abnormalities, newborn mice
deficient in Apaf1 or caspase 9 have distinct abnormalities in
their paws. Apaf 1 ^-/- mice fail to eliminate web
between their developing digits, whereas casp-9^-/- mice
have normally formed digits. If Apaf1 and Casp-9 function in same
apoptotic pathway, how is it possible for these deficient mice to
differ in web-cell apoptosis?a.