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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best supports the one gene-one enzyme hypothesis in the context of organic chemistry?
A
Each gene directly codes for a specific enzyme that catalyzes a particular reaction.
B
The one gene-one enzyme hypothesis is outdated and has been replaced by the one gene-one protein hypothesis.
C
Genes are responsible for the synthesis of all types of proteins, not just enzymes.
D
Enzymes are composed of multiple genes that work together to catalyze reactions.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the historical context: The one gene-one enzyme hypothesis was proposed by George Beadle and Edward Tatum in the 1940s. It suggested that each gene in an organism's genome is responsible for the production of a single enzyme that affects a specific metabolic pathway.
Recognize the evolution of the hypothesis: The one gene-one enzyme hypothesis has evolved into the one gene-one protein hypothesis. This change reflects the understanding that genes can code for proteins that are not enzymes, and that proteins can have structural or regulatory roles.
Consider the role of genes in protein synthesis: Genes contain the instructions for synthesizing proteins, which include enzymes. Enzymes are a subset of proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, but not all proteins are enzymes.
Evaluate the statement about enzymes and genes: The statement 'Each gene directly codes for a specific enzyme that catalyzes a particular reaction' aligns with the original one gene-one enzyme hypothesis, emphasizing the direct relationship between a gene and its corresponding enzyme.
Clarify the misconception: The statement 'Enzymes are composed of multiple genes that work together to catalyze reactions' is incorrect. Enzymes are proteins encoded by genes, but a single enzyme is typically the product of a single gene, not multiple genes working together.