A researcher studying a member of the Conus genus of cone snails discovers that there are many dozens of slightly different variants of venom proteins coded by closely related genes. What is the most likely explanation for this great variation? [Hint: The compounds likely diversified in a similar way as the multiple globin proteins in mammals did.]
A. Concerted evolution resulted in the production of many venom genes, scattered throughout the genome.
B. Hybridization between two snail species has left the offspring with multiple orthologous genes.
C. Multiple gene duplication events have led to the production of a paralogous multigene family.
D. Duplicated genes underwent incomplete gene conversion, leading to many errors in sequence.
E. The last common ancestor of all cone snails had a diverse set of venom genes that have been inherited by all cone snails.
Ans: C. Multiple gene duplication events have led to the production of a paralogous multigene family.
You might also like to view...
The following factors may sometimes play a role in the movement of sap through xylem. Which one depends on the direct expenditure of ATP by the plant?
A) capillarity movement of water within the xylem B) evaporation of water from leaves C) cohesion among water molecules D) concentration of ions in the symplast E) bulk flow of water in the root apoplast
Fall leaf color on deciduous trees is a result of
A. the production of more accessory pigments because of the cooler temperatures. B. the reduction in the production of accessory pigments. C. cessation of chlorophyll production, which allows the accessory pigments to be revealed. D. the increased angle of the sun during the fall, which reflects more of the accessory pigments.
Food poisoning from Salmonella occurs because of ________
A) an exotoxin secreted by Salmonella bacteria B) an endotoxin produced by Salmonella bacteria C) easy transmission between people living in close contact D) extremophile conditions
The Gram stain works because of differences in the ________ of bacteria
A) genetic characteristics B) cell walls C) cell membranes D) antigens E) capsules