[Campbell Biology P.386] Which of the following statements most accurately reflects the curr... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements most accurately reflects the current understanding of gene expression, as discussed in the passage, regarding the "one gene-one polypeptide" hypothesis?

  • A: It states that every gene codes for exactly one enzyme.
  • B: It accurately describes all gene products, including all proteins and RNA molecules.
  • C: It has been refined to acknowledge that one eukaryotic gene can produce multiple related polypeptides and some genes code for functional RNA molecules.
  • D: It fully replaced the 'one gene-one enzyme' hypothesis without any further modifications.

Explanation

The passage explains that while the 'one gene-one enzyme' hypothesis evolved into 'one gene-one polypeptide', even the latter is 'not entirely accurate.' This is because eukaryotic genes can produce multiple related polypeptides through alternative splicing, and some genes code for functional RNA molecules that are never translated into protein. Therefore, option C correctly reflects these refinements.