A phylogenetic tree is shown for the three domains of life (Eukarya, Archaea, and Bacteria). The tree branches in two directions from the first point, labeled Common ancestor of all life. One branch leads in the direction of Eukarya and Archaea, and the other branch leads to Bacteria. The branch leading to Eukarya and Archaea divide, one branch leading to each domain. The branch leading to Eukarya divides into four branches. One leads to Euglenozoans, and the other three lead to branching points. The first leads to Forams in one direction, and another branching point in the other that leads to Diatoms and Ciliates. The second branching point leads to Red algae in one direction, and a branching point that leads to green algae and land plants in the other direction. The third branching point leads to amoebas in one direction, and a branching point that leads to fungi and animals in the other direction. Land plants, Fungi and Animals are all highlighted.

Examine the figure. If you were a graduate student trying to develop a thesis project that would resolve polytomies, which of the following groups would you study?

#Question id: 5803

#Unit 8. Inheritance Biology

The mutation which causes sickle cell anemia in humans:

#Question id: 5804

#Unit 8. Inheritance Biology

The gene that is mutated in cases of cystic fibrosis encodes an ion transporter protein normally expressed in the respiratory and digestive tracts along with other locations. Individuals homozygous for the most common mutation in this gene (ΔF508) died at very early ages prior to the advent of advanced medical intervention. Despite this, the mutation exists at relatively high frequency in populations of European descent. One potential explanation is that heterozygotes for such mutations may be relatively immune to the lethal effects of diseases such as typhoid fever. Which statement below is most accurate?

#Question id: 5805

#Unit 8. Inheritance Biology

In Himalayan rabbits, the ears, feet, and muzzle are pigmented while the rest of the body is white. This is because they express an enzyme variant that is ineffective at body temperature but functions at the lower temperatures experienced by cells of the extremities. This is an example of:

#Question id: 5806

#Unit 8. Inheritance Biology

Which of these is NOT a mechanism by which a chromosome rearrangement could affect gene function?

#Question id: 5807

#Unit 8. Inheritance Biology

Which of the following would be an example of a germline mutation?

#Question id: 5808

#Unit 8. Inheritance Biology

Mitochondrial DNA polymerase does not have an error checking mechanism such as that of nuclear DNA polymerase. This would be expected to lead to a higher rate of which type of mutation in mitochondrial DNA?