[Campbell Biology P.391] What is the primary conclusion supported by Figure 17.7 regarding t... | Practice Question

What is the primary conclusion supported by Figure 17.7 regarding the genetic code?

  • A: Genes from different species can be transferred and expressed due to the universal nature of the genetic code.
  • B: Only genes coding for fluorescent proteins can be successfully transferred between species.
  • C: DNA replication is identical in all organisms, allowing gene transfer.
  • D: RNA polymerase functions identically across all species.

Explanation

Figure 17.7 illustrates how genes from one species firefly, jellyfish can be introduced into and expressed by another species tobacco plant, mosquito larva , leading to the production of the characteristic proteins yellow glow, green fluorescent protein . This phenomenon is possible because all living organisms share a common genetic code, allowing DNA sequences to be universally interpreted and translated into proteins.