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Question #47750
The Question
The evolutionary adaptation of Thermus aquaticus (source of Taq polymerase) and the morphological traits of polar mammals (described by Allen's rule) both demonstrate how structural geometry dictates survival in extreme thermal niches. Which of the following statements correctly identifies the shared biophysical strategy and its specific application in these two distinct scenarios?
Options
- A.
Both adaptations maximize the surface-to-volume ratio; Taq polymerase to facilitate rapid primer annealing during PCR, and polar mammals to absorb maximum solar radiation.
- B.
Both minimize their surface-to-volume ratio; Taq polymerase utilizes dense hydrophobic core packing to resist high-temperature denaturation, while polar mammals reduce appendage size to minimize metabolic heat loss.
- C.
Taq polymerase relies on a hydrophilic core to maximize interaction with the aqueous environment at high temperatures, while polar mammals rely on appendage reduction to minimize heat flux.
- D.
Taq polymerase maximizes its molecular surface area to increase collision frequency with dNTPs at 94°C, whereas polar mammals minimize their anatomical surface area to conserve heat.
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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
Competent_Cell_Preparation|Lac_Operon_Inducibility|Glucose_Repression
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The universal application of the 'surface-to-volume ratio' across biological scales.
Students typically restrict this concept to macro-ecology (Allen's rule or why small hummingbirds are rare in polar regions) and fail to apply it to molecular biology (protein folding and enzyme stability).
This question forces the high-level synthesis of Chapter 13 (Organisms and Populations) with Chapter 9 (Biomolecules) and Chapter 11 (Biotechnology).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology : Principles and Processes - Class 12 |
| Concept | Competent Cell Preparation |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |