Question

Which statement is FALSE? The P element undergoes non-replicative transposition; hence, chromosome breaks are common. P strains of Drosophila carry approximately 40 copies of P element in the genome, but only 1/3 are autonomous. P elements are only active when male P strains are crossed with M females. P elements transpose only in somatic tissues.

1) The P element undergoes non-replicative transposition; hence, chromosome breaks are common.
2) P strains of Drosophila carry approximately 40 copies of P element in the genome, but only 1/3 are autonomous.
3) P elements are only active when male P strains are crossed with M females.
4) P elements transpose only in somatic tissues.

Answer 1

The false statement is that P elements transpose only in somatic tissues. In fact, P elements can transpose in both germline and somatic tissues of Drosophila.

Step-by-step explanation:

The FALSE statement among the options provided is that P elements transpose only in somatic tissues. In Drosophila, P elements can transpose in both germline and somatic tissues. The other statements provided regarding P elements are correct: the non-replicative nature of P element transposition and its associated chromosome breaks, the number of copies and autonomous nature of P elements in P strains of Drosophila, and the activity of P elements when male P strains are crossed with M females.