Question

Researchers using molecular analyses, including sequencing technology, may be interested in studying horizontal gene transfer because it plays such an important role in microbial evolution. Genome sequencing has led to insights about this type of genetic transfer between a wide range of organisms, even in very different taxa. This is another area in which portable, inexpensive sequencing will expand the research that can be done. If a researcher wanted to understand whether a particular species of non-pathogenic bacteria had obtained genes via horizontal gene transfer, which of the following would be true?

A. They should focus their attention on metabolic genes.B. They should focus their attention on virulence genes.C. They should focus their attention on the genes for DNA replication.D. They should focus their attention on the genes for gene expression

Answer 1

The correct answer is option A. "They should focus their attention on metabolic genes".

Step-by-step explanation:

Horizontal gene transfer refers to the transference of genetic material among species in contrast to the classic vertical gene transfer, which occurs between the parents and their offspring. Metabolic genes exhibit a high level of evolutionary conservation and are known for being horizontally transferred among bacteria and eukaryotic cells. Therefore, metabolic genes should be the focus of the researchers studying the possible horizontal gene transfer in the non-pathogenic bacteria.