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What is one possible consequence of the loss of gene G in primates? In mammals, more than one thousand genes coding for smell receptors have been identified - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 8 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 8
What is one possible consequence of the loss of gene G in primates? In mammals, more than one thousand genes coding for smell receptors have been identified. Indivi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What is one possible consequence of the loss of gene G in primates? In mammals, more than one thousand genes coding for smell receptors have been identified - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 8 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
What is one possible consequence of the loss of gene G in primates?
Answer
The loss of gene G in primates can lead to an inability to synthesize Vitamin C. This means that these primates must obtain this essential nutrient solely through their diet, which could impact their health and survival if their diet lacks sufficient Vitamin C.
Step 2
From the graph, what can be concluded about the importance of smell to the survival of these four groups?
Answer
The data suggests that smell is most crucial for mice and dogs, as they have a higher percentage of functional smell receptor genes compared to apes and humans. This indicates that smell plays a vital role in the survival of mice and dogs, while it is less important for humans and apes.
Step 3
Would you expect to find any change in the numbers of smell pseudogenes in apes and monkeys able to distinguish colours? Explain why.
Answer
It is likely that apes and monkeys that can distinguish colours would have fewer smell pseudogenes compared to those that cannot. This is because the ability to detect a variety of scents may be more relevant to their survival and behavior, leading to the preservation of functional smell receptor genes over time.
Step 4
Why are pseudogenes able to accumulate mutations that do not exist in functional genes?
Answer
Pseudogenes are remnants of once-functional genes that have lost their ability to code for proteins. Since they are no longer under selective pressure to maintain functionality, they can accumulate mutations without consequences. This process allows them to diverge freely from their ancestral gene sequence without affecting the organism's overall fitness.