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Question #47533
The Question
The coordinated motility of colonial green algae (e.g., Volvox) is strictly dependent on the apical insertion of flagella. If a mutation in the microtubular organizing centers (MTOCs) alters the basal body orientation, shifting the flagellar insertion from apical to lateral, what would be the immediate functional consequence and its taxonomic parallel according to standard algal classification?
Options
- A.
Loss of coordinated colonial motility; the lateral flagellar insertion structurally mimics the diagnostic feature of Phaeophyceae motile cells.
- B.
Unaffected colonial motility; the lateral flagellar insertion structurally mimics the diagnostic feature of Rhodophyceae zoospores.
- C.
Immediate fragmentation of the colony; the lateral flagellar insertion structurally mimics the diagnostic feature of Chlorophyceae gametes.
- D.
Loss of coordinated colonial motility; the lateral flagellar insertion structurally mimics the diagnostic feature of Phaeophyceae vegetative cells.
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
Meristematic_Activity|Morphogenesis|Thallus_Differentiation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize flagellar positions (apical vs lateral) but fail to apply them to functional morphology (colonial motility) or distinguish between vegetative and reproductive cells.
The trap in Option D tests the misconception that all cells of Phaeophyceae have lateral flagella, whereas only zoospores and gametes do.
Option B exploits the failure to remember that Rhodophyceae are entirely non-motile.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Plant Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Algal Thallus Organization |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |