[Campbell Biology P.509] One experimental study mentioned in the text found that 47% of 414 ... | Practice Question

One experimental study mentioned in the text found that 47% of 414 human yeast genes could function equivalently in yeast cells. What is the most significant conclusion supported by this finding?

  • A: Yeast and humans are very closely related species.
  • B: Many human genes have direct functional equivalents in yeast, indicating ancient gene conservation.
  • C: Human genes are superior to yeast genes in terms of function.
  • D: This experiment highlights the rapid evolution of genes in distantly related species.

Explanation

The fact that nearly half of the human genes tested could function equivalently in yeast cells, despite yeasts and humans being 'two distantly related species', underscores a 'common origin' and the remarkable conservation of fundamental genetic functions over billions of years of evolution. This indicates that many ancient genes have maintained their essential roles across vast evolutionary distances.