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Question #45169
The Question
A transgenic tomato variety, engineered for delayed fruit softening (similar to the Flavr Savr), escapes into a native ecosystem. Due to its enhanced ability to retain intact fruit during adverse conditions, it exhibits invasive behavior and completely outcompetes the native wild-type tomatoes. Consequently, a native specialist bee species that relies exclusively on the wild-type tomato's floral volatiles goes extinct. Regarding the biotechnological mechanism and ecological consequences of this event, which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The extinction of the specialist bee following the displacement of the wild-type tomato is a classic example of co-extinction.
- B.
The ecological displacement of the native wild-type tomato by the transgenic escapee mimics the biodiversity impacts of an alien species invasion.
- C.
The transgenic tomato achieves delayed softening because the introduced antisense RNA binds directly to the polygalacturonase enzyme, competitively inhibiting its active site.
- D.
The delayed softening in such transgenic varieties is achieved by silencing the gene responsible for the production of the pectin-degrading enzyme.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Flavr Savr Tomato Logic|GEAC Oversight|Biopiracy and Patents
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students frequently confuse the level at which gene silencing operates.
Antisense RNA and RNA interference (RNAi) prevent translation by binding to mRNA; they do not act as competitive inhibitors at the post-translational (protein) level.
This question also successfully integrates Biotechnology (gene silencing) with Biodiversity and Conservation (Co-extinction and Alien Species Invasion), testing cross-chapter synthesis.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology and Its Applications - Class 12 |
| Concept | Flavr Savr Tomato Logic |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |