Question

Scientists recently studied the reproductive behavior of a yeast species. They noticed a new species emerged from two populations. This new species formed after the yeast were exposed to signaling molecules called pheromones. Both male and females release pheromones, which bind to cell surface receptors. Pheromones from the male bind to female cells. The opposite is true for pheromones secreted from female cells. This signaling action causes the yeast to change their sex type.

Explain how this phenotypic plasticity is beneficial.

Answer 1

When the yeast is exposed to a pheromone, its phenotypic plasticity allows it to change its sex type, meaning if there is a yeast molecule that is releasing pheromones close to another molecule of yeast, the latter molecule will change its sex type to the opposite sex, if necessary, to reproduce. The yeast's phenotypic plasticity regarding sex type allows it to grow the population more effectively, helping the species survive.

Answer 2

Phenotypic plasticity in yeast cells is beneficial because this allows the yeast to change its phenotype of being a male or female. This plasticity depends on the type of pheromone exposure. The ability to change phenotype increases the reproductive success of yeast cells. This condition is useful for yeast, especially if they must adapt to changes affecting their reproduction and survival. By having phenotypic plasticity, the yeast can continue to grow its population size.