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Question #46963
The Question
A researcher isolates a novel marine toxin that specifically and irreversibly inhibits the ATPase activity of the dynein arms within the eukaryotic axoneme. If a population of marine dinoflagellates is exposed to this toxin in a deep, stratified ocean column, which of the following represents the most direct and significant consequence?
Options
- A.
The 9+0 microtubular arrangement of their basal bodies will depolymerize, preventing the formation of new flagella.
- B.
The organisms will lose their motility and sink below the photic zone, severely impairing their photosynthetic capacity.
- C.
The transverse and longitudinal flagella will lose their 9+2 arrangement, structurally converting into a 9+0 arrangement.
- D.
The radial spokes will fail to generate ATP, causing the peripheral microtubule doublets to slide uncontrollably.
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
Dinoflagellate Bioluminescence and Toxins|Corpus Callosum Functionality|Sodium-Potassium Pump
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Connecting molecular cell biology (axoneme structure and dynein ATPase function) with organismal ecology (dinoflagellate motility and photic zone requirement).
The trap lies in confusing functional motor protein inhibition with structural depolymerization (like the effect of colchicine), testing if the student understands that a paralyzed flagellum retains its 9+2 anatomy but loses its ecological utility.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biological Classification - Class 11 |
| Concept | Dinoflagellate Bioluminescence and Toxins |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |