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Question #47560
The Question
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is evaluating a transgenic strain of Gelidium (Rhodophyceae) that has acquired a novel photosynthetic pigment gene via horizontal gene transfer (HGT). If this organism escapes into a marine ecosystem, traditional taxonomic keys based on 'Natural Classification' systems would fail to accurately classify it. Which of the following best explains this systemic taxonomic failure?
Options
- A.
Natural classification relies on multiple phenotypic affinities reflecting shared evolutionary descent, which are uncoupled when rDNA technology introduces non-homologous traits.
- B.
Natural classification systems are based on a single vegetative character, which is easily masked by the expression of the transgenic pigment.
- C.
The integration of bacterial plasmids during HGT automatically reclassifies the eukaryotic alga under Kingdom Monera in Whittaker’s five-kingdom system.
- D.
Taxonomic keys for algae rely exclusively on the biochemical nature of stored food, which is always degraded by the introduction of foreign genes.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Vascular Evolution|Pollinator Interaction|Adaptive Radiation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the definitions of Artificial vs.
Natural classification but fail to apply them to modern biotechnology.
The trap lies in confusing the basis of Natural classification (multiple traits reflecting evolutionary descent) with Artificial classification (single/few traits).
Furthermore, students must synthesize concepts from 'The Living World' (Taxonomic Keys), 'Plant Kingdom' (Algal classification criteria), and 'Biotechnology' (GEAC and HGT) to realize that rDNA technology creates a phenotype that violates the natural diagnostic features used in traditional taxonomic keys.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Plant Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Sexual Reproduction Variations |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |