[Campbell Biology P.901] According to the text and Figure 39.11, what is the key difference ... | Practice Question

According to the text and Figure 39.11, what is the key difference between precocious germination in red mangroves and the maize mutant?

  • A: Both are caused by a lack of a functional transcription factor.
  • B: Red mangrove precocious germination is an adaptation, while in maize it's due to a genetic defect.
  • C: Red mangrove seeds germinate precociously due to high ABA levels, whereas maize seeds do so due to low ABA.
  • D: Precocious germination in both species allows seedlings to penetrate soft mudflats.

Explanation

The text states that red mangrove precocious germination 'is actually an adaptation that helps the young seedlings to plant themselves like darts in the soft mud below the parent tree,' due to low ABA levels. For the maize mutant, Figure 39.11 caption notes it 'is caused by lack of a functional transcription factor required for ABA action,' indicating a defect.