How Can Gene Duplication Provide an Evolutionary Pathway by Which

question 27

Multiple Choice

How can gene duplication provide an evolutionary pathway by which a protein can switch functions without loss of the original function?

• A) Gene duplication results in two identical genes that both preserve the same function.
• B) A pair of duplicated genes initially perform the same functions, but both genes acquire mutations that change their function.
• C) When a gene is duplicated, it rapidly acquires mutations that make it no longer functional.
• D) An extra copy of a working gene is formed that can gain a new function without changing the function of the original gene.

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Definitions:

Inner Layer

The deeper or internal part of something, often used in a metaphorical sense to describe the core aspects of concepts or objects.

Endoderm

The innermost layer of cells or tissue of an embryo in early development, giving rise to the lining of the digestive and respiratory systems.

Ectoderm

The outermost layer of cells in the developing embryo, giving rise to the nervous system and skin.

Blastocyst Differentiation

The process during early embryonic development where a blastocyst forms distinct cell layers that will develop into various organs and tissues.