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Question #46471
The Question
During an experimental somatic gene therapy, researchers successfully reactivate a highly conserved pseudogene (a vestigial regulatory sequence) to induce an atavistic trait in human epithelial tissue. Based on the principles of cellular regulation and molecular genetics, which of the following represents the most probable physiological risk of this reactivation?
Options
- A.
Immediate germline transmission of the atavistic trait to the next generation due to the highly conserved nature of the sequence.
- B.
Neoplastic transformation, as the ancestral regulatory circuit may bypass or disrupt modern tumor suppressor checkpoints like the p53 pathway.
- C.
Activation of the endogenous CRISPR-Cas system within the human cells to cleave the reactivated pseudogene and maintain genomic integrity.
- D.
Induction of systemic autoimmune disease, as vestigial genes exclusively code for ancestral major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins.
Check Your Answer
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
Vestigial Organs Interpretation|Gene Therapy Germline vs Somatic|Non-Coding DNA
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: This question tests the synthesis of Evolution (Atavism/Pseudogenes), Biotechnology (Somatic vs.
Germline therapy), and Human Health (Oncogenesis).
The primary misconception is failing to recognize that 'junk DNA' or silenced pseudogenes often contain powerful regulatory promoters that, if artificially reactivated, disrupt the delicate balance of modern cell cycle checkpoints (proto-oncogenes vs. tumor suppressor genes).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Evolution - Class 12 |
| Concept | Vestigial Organs Interpretation |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |