Multiple Choice
Chromosomal rearrangements may be important in evolution because __________.
19. Genomics
Genomes
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Why might active transposons be rare in natural populations?
A
Organisms do not wish to evolve new genes.
B
Multiple copies of a transposon suppress each other.
C
The immune system attacks active transposons as foreign invaders.
D
Transposons have a dramatically higher rate of mutation than other genes.
E
Individuals with active transposons are usually eliminated by natural selection because transposition events usually produce harmful mutations.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand what transposons are: Transposons, also known as 'jumping genes', are DNA sequences that can change their position within the genome. This movement can disrupt normal gene function and lead to mutations.
Consider the impact of transposons on an organism: When transposons insert themselves into new locations in the genome, they can disrupt important genes or regulatory regions, potentially leading to harmful mutations.
Explore the role of natural selection: Natural selection tends to eliminate individuals with harmful mutations. If transposons frequently cause harmful mutations, individuals with active transposons are less likely to survive and reproduce.
Analyze why active transposons might be rare: Since active transposons can lead to harmful mutations, natural selection would favor individuals with fewer or inactive transposons, leading to a decrease in their frequency in the population.
Conclude with the evolutionary perspective: Over time, populations may evolve mechanisms to suppress transposon activity, such as through RNA interference or other regulatory processes, further reducing the prevalence of active transposons.
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