Question

An unusual red sponge is discovered near a deep-sea vent. You want to determine if this is a new species of sponge, so you separate the cells for further study. A new lab assistant accidentally adds cells from a blue sponge to your preparation while you are at lunch. When you return, you find that the sponge cells have reaggregated into a multicellular organism. What do you see if the red and blue sponges are different species?

A. one sponge with a red side and a blue side
B. one blue sponge and one red sponge
C. one sponge with blue and red randomly distributed
D. one purple sponge (mix of red and blue colors)

Answer 1

If the red and blue sponges are different species, we would expect to see one blue sponge and one red sponge due to the species-specific cell adhesion molecules that cause cells to reaggregate with their own kind.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the red and blue sponges are different species and if their cells are not able to recognize the cells from another species, we would expect to see

B. one blue sponge and one red sponge after the reaggregation process. This is because sponge cells have the capability to recognize and sort themselves with their own kind after being disaggregated. Each sponge species has its own distinctive set of cell adhesion molecules that will only bind to the same type found in their species, allowing them to reorganize themselves into a correctly functioning sponge. Conversely, if these were the same species, the cells would blend together potentially into

C. one sponge with blue and red randomly distributed throughout the sponge body.