[Campbell Biology P.501] Based on the text, what is a key difference between Alu elements an... | Practice Question

Based on the text, what is a key difference between Alu elements and LINE-1 retrotransposons in the human genome?

  • A: Alu elements are significantly longer than LINE-1 retrotransposons.
  • B: LINE-1 retrotransposons account for a smaller percentage of the human genome than Alu elements.
  • C: Alu elements are known to regulate gene expression, whereas LINE-1 transcription is crucial for early embryonic development.
  • D: Both Alu elements and LINE-1 retrotransposons encode proteins that perform normal cellular functions.

Explanation

Option C correctly identifies the specific functions attributed to Alu and LINE-1 in the text: Alu's RNAs regulate gene expression, and LINE-1 transcription is vital for early embryonic development. Option A is incorrect because LINE-1 is much longer than Alu. Option B is incorrect because LINE-1 17% accounts for a larger percentage than Alu 10% . Option D is incorrect because Alu does not code for protein, and TEs that do, don't carry out normal cellular functions.