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Question #45816
The Question
A researcher observes the rapid, population-wide emergence of multi-drug resistance in a colony of Escherichia coli. Which of the following best explains why the Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance (Sutton and Boveri) is fundamentally inapplicable to this phenomenon?
Options
- A.
The rapid spread occurs via horizontal gene transfer of autonomous plasmids, whereas the theory strictly governs vertical transmission via meiotic segregation of homologous chromosomes.
- B.
Plasmids integrate into the bacterial nucleoid, causing homologous recombination that mimics Mendelian independent assortment during binary fission.
- C.
Bacterial resistance is driven by the independent assortment of multiple circular chromosomes, which violates the diploid requirement of the theory.
- D.
The Chromosomal Theory only applies to traits carried on autosomes, whereas R-plasmids function analogously to allosomes in prokaryotes.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance|Plasmid vs Chromosomal DNA|Adaptive Radiation Logic
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often conflate general 'Genetic Continuity' (DNA passing to another cell) with the specific mechanics of the 'Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance'.
The trap relies on failing to recognize that Sutton and Boveri's theory is inextricably linked to meiotic chromosomal behavior, making it entirely inapplicable to prokaryotic horizontal gene transfer.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Principles of Inheritance and Variation - Class 12 |
| Concept | Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |