Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is/are correct with regard to individuals with the disorder xeroderma pigmentosum?
14. DNA Synthesis
DNA Repair
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In a comparison between asexually reproducing bacteria and sexually reproducing multicellular eukaryotes, uncorrected errors in replication are more likely to be transmitted to subsequent generations in bacteria than in multicellular eukaryotes. Which of the following provides the best evidence-based explanation for this difference?
A
Unlike multicellular eukaryotes, bacteria lack DNA repair enzymes, so there are just more uncorrected errors at play.
B
Although the genome for each is represented as pairs of homologous chromosomes, errors in bacteria affect both homologs, but only one is affected in eukaryotes.
C
Only errors that lead to faster-growing strains are left uncorrected in bacteria, whereas all errors are detected and repaired in multicellular eukaryotes.
D
The third and fourth listed responses can explain this phenomenon.
E
Because they are asexual and single-celled, all uncorrected errors of replication in bacteria are transmitted to subsequent generations. Multicellular eukaryotes typically reproduce sexually, so uncorrected errors are transmitted only if they occur in germ cells that meiotically divide to produce gametes.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the difference between asexual and sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction involves a single organism reproducing without the involvement of gametes, while sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents.
Recognize that bacteria reproduce asexually, meaning that any genetic errors during replication are directly passed on to the next generation without the opportunity for correction through genetic recombination.
Consider the role of germ cells in multicellular eukaryotes. These cells undergo meiosis to produce gametes, and only errors in these cells can be passed on to the next generation.
Acknowledge that multicellular eukaryotes have mechanisms such as DNA repair enzymes and genetic recombination during sexual reproduction that can correct or mask replication errors, reducing the likelihood of transmission to offspring.
Conclude that the key difference is the mode of reproduction: bacteria, being asexual and single-celled, transmit all replication errors directly, whereas multicellular eukaryotes, reproducing sexually, only transmit errors if they occur in germ cells.
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