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Question #47731
The Question
A multinational corporation attempts to patent a specific genetic lineage of an indigenous medicinal plant (an act of biopiracy). This plant population is highly endemic and recently survived a severe population bottleneck. When researchers perform DNA fingerprinting using VNTR probes and restriction endonucleases to identify unique individual lineages, which of the following outcomes is most likely observed on the gel electrophoresis autoradiogram?
Options
- A.
High degree of polymorphism with distinct, highly variable banding patterns due to the rapid fixation of alleles via genetic drift.
- B.
Uniform and nearly identical banding patterns across different individuals due to a drastic reduction in allelic heterozygosity.
- C.
Failure of DNA fragments to migrate towards the anode due to the loss of negatively charged phosphate groups during the bottleneck event.
- D.
Generation of exclusively high molecular weight fragments because restriction sites are universally lost via induced mutations.
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
Ori_Sequence_Stringency|ADA_Deficiency_Genetic_Correction|Autoimmunity_Principles
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often rote-learn that 'DNA fingerprinting produces unique patterns for every individual' without understanding the underlying prerequisite: VNTR polymorphism.
The trap requires integrating Population Genetics (bottleneck effect/loss of heterozygosity) with Biotechnology (RFLP/gel migration).
It tests the realization that without genetic variance, restriction-based profiling loses its discriminatory power.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology : Principles and Processes - Class 12 |
| Concept | Ori Sequence Stringency |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |