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Question #45927
The Question
In an experimental ecosystem, a mutation in the primary consumers forces their cells to exclusively use a shuttle system that transfers electrons from cytosolic NADH to mitochondrial FAD instead of mitochondrial NAD+. Assuming their daily ATP requirement and gross energy assimilation remain constant, which of the following is the most likely ecological consequence compared to the wild-type population?
Options
- A.
The Net Secondary Productivity will increase because the FAD-linked pathway generates more metabolic water.
- B.
The energy available to secondary consumers will decrease because a larger proportion of assimilated biomass must be oxidized to meet ATP demands.
- C.
The pyramid of energy will become inverted due to the increased respiratory heat loss at the primary consumer level.
- D.
The Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) of the ecosystem will decrease to compensate for the metabolic inefficiency.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Shuttle System Impact|Trophic Efficiency Limits|ATP Yield
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Synthesizing biochemical stoichiometry (ATP yield based on electron shuttles) with ecological energy flow (Net Production = Gross Assimilation - Respiration).
The trap in Option C exploits the misconception that massive energy loss can invert an energy pyramid, but NCERT strictly dictates energy pyramids are always upright.
Option D tests the ability to isolate trophic levels, as GPP belongs to producers.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Respiration in Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Shuttle System Impact |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |