Question

The gene that encodes small-subunit ribosomal RNA is useful for reconstructing the phylogeny of all organisms, because ________.

1) the gene is subject to strong stabilizing selection

2) the gene's function has stayed unchanged in all organisms

3) all organisms have ribosomes with similar composition and structure

4) all organisms have the gene

5) All of the above.

Answer 1

The small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene is useful for reconstructing the phylogeny of all organisms because all organisms have ribosomes with similar composition and structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gene that encodes small-subunit ribosomal RNA is useful for reconstructing the phylogeny of all organisms, because all organisms have ribosomes with similar composition and structure. Ribosomes are highly conserved across different organisms and play a crucial role in protein synthesis. The small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene is a key component of ribosomes and its sequence can be used to study the evolutionary relationships between different species.

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