Question

In humans and in chimpanzees, 99% of the Alu retrotransposons are in corresponding positions. Which of the following statements below is the most likely explanation for this similarity?

A) The Alu retrotransposon is not capable of transposition in humans.
B) Most of the Alu sequences in the chimpanzee genome underwent duplication and divergence before humans and chimpanzees diverged.
C) The Alu retrotransposons are in the most beneficial position in the genome for primates.

Answer 1

The high similarity of Alu retrotransposons in humans and chimpanzees is most likely due to duplication and divergence of the Alu sequences in the chimpanzee genome before humans and chimpanzees diverged.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely explanation for the high similarity of Alu retrotransposons in humans and chimpanzees is that most of the Alu sequences in the chimpanzee genome underwent duplication and divergence before humans and chimpanzees diverged. This means that these Alu sequences were already present and in similar positions in the common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees. The high similarity suggests that these Alu retrotransposons have been conserved due to their functional importance or beneficial role in the genome of primates.