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Question #46407
The Question
During the secondary treatment of sewage, the aeration tank receives a sudden, massive influx of effluent exceptionally rich in simple sugars (glucose) along with the standard complex organic waste. Based on the principles of gene regulation, which of the following best explains the immediate effect on the bacterial flocs' ability to degrade the complex organic matter?
Options
- A.
Degradation of complex matter accelerates because glucose induces the synthesis of all catabolic enzymes simultaneously.
- B.
Degradation of complex matter stalls because high glucose levels reduce intracellular cAMP, preventing the activation of alternative catabolic operons.
- C.
Degradation of complex matter remains unaffected as the repressor proteins of alternative operons are directly inactivated by glucose.
- D.
Degradation of complex matter ceases because glucose binds to the operator regions of all catabolic genes, physically blocking RNA polymerase.
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
Glucose Repression|BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) Logic|Microbial Metabolism
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating molecular genetics (Catabolite Repression/Lac operon) with environmental biology (Sewage treatment/BOD).
Students often memorize the Lac operon in isolation without realizing that glucose's inhibitory effect (via low cAMP) applies broadly to the degradation of any secondary/complex carbon source in a mixed-waste environment.
The trap lies in assuming that more 'food' (glucose) simply speeds up all bacterial metabolism equally.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Molecular Basis of Inheritance - Class 12 |
| Concept | Glucose Repression |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |