Why is a comparison of the amino acid sequences of a protein such as cytochrome c across species useful for studying evolution?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Fewer differences suggest a more recent common ancestor
- Step 1: Mutations build up in a gene over time, changing amino acid sequences.
- Step 2: Species that diverged recently have had less time to change, so their sequences differ less.
Answer
fewer differences suggest a more recent common ancestor.
Why not the others: More differences mean more time since divergence; identical sequences do not define a species; diet does not set an amino acid sequence.
Practise more Immunity, DNA Technology and Change Over Time.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Victorian VCE mock tests.
More Immunity, DNA Technology and Change Over Time questions
- Which type of cell presents antigen fragments on MHC class II molecules to activate helper T cells?
- Which cells are responsible for secreting large quantities of antibodies during an immune response?
- What is the main role of helper T cells in the adaptive immune response?
- How do cytotoxic T cells destroy a virus-infected body cell?
- A vaccine against a virus provides long-term protection mainly because it:
- A newborn gains antibodies from its mother through breast milk. This is an example of: