Mutant Fruit Flies That Make Only One Antimicrobial Peptide (Defensin

question 9

Multiple Choice

Mutant fruit flies that make only one antimicrobial peptide (defensin or drosomycin) were tested for survival after infection with Neurospora crassa fungi and the results are shown in the figure below. What statement about these data is true? Figure 35.1

• A) No wild-type fruit flies die after being infected by the fungi.
• B) Drosomycin protects fruit flies from N. crassi infections to a higher degree than does defensin.
• C) Defensin is effective at preventing fruit fly infection by all fungal species.
• D) After two days, approximately 65% of mutant + defensin fruit flies are dead.

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Definitions:

Golgi Tendon Reflex

A protective reflex mechanism that helps prevent muscle damage during excessive force generation.

Excessive Tension

A state of being overstressed or strained, in physical or emotional contexts.

Intercostal Nerves

The intercostal nerves are part of the somatic nervous system and run between the ribs to innervate the chest and abdominal walls.

Thoracic Spinal Nerves

Nerves that emerge from the spinal cord in the thoracic (middle) area of the spine, involved in numerous body functions including respiration.