Provide evidence that supports the hypothesis that riboswitches are remnants of the RNA world when catalytic RNAs were the only self-replicating life forms

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Answers will vary, but one focus could be on their presence in bacteria that are considered to have evolved well before Eukarya, yet riboswitches are generally lacking in eukaryotes. If no other life forms were around and RNA was the only replicating form, the function of riboswitches could explain a (primitive) mechanism to control its own synthesis.

Biology & Microbiology

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Diabetes mellitus translates roughly as "copious urination" + "honey." This disease results from disorders of glucose uptake by systemic cells and can cause, among other symptoms, high levels of glucose in the blood and glucose appearing in the urine (this is what diastix measure). Which of the following is a reasonable explanation of this observation?

A. The reabsorption capacity of the kidney for glucose is exceeded. B. A lack of sodium in the filtrate blocks the function of the Na+/glucose symport protein. C. High levels of glucose interfere with ADH function. D. The high levels of glucose induce a "dehydrated" state that promotes production of a large amount of dilute urine. E. None of the choices given are a logical explanation for this observation.

Biology & Microbiology

Explain the concept of a keystone species

What will be an ideal response?

Biology & Microbiology

In 1610, which scientist was imprisoned for publishing evidence that the Earth orbits the sun?

a. Aristotle b. Copernicus c. Galileo d. Darwin e. Newton

Biology & Microbiology

Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as "brittle bone disease," is caused by a genetic defect in the gene that encodes a major fibrous protein found in bone called ________

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Biology & Microbiology