While inspecting the genome sequence of your newly discovered organism, you note

Question

While inspecting the genome sequence of your newly discovered organism, you note that while the genome overall is 50% G + C, there is a cluster of genes comprising about 20,000 bp that is 64% G + C. The best explanation for this is

Multiple Choice

A ) this represents normal variation within a chromosome.

B) the 20,000 bp segment likely contains a cluster of housekeeping genes.

C) the 20,000 bp segment is an adaptation to a more thermophilic environment.

D) the 20,000 bp segment is a recent acquisition via horizontal gene transfer.

Explanation / Answer

The correct answer is option C.

Reason: The presence of high GC percentage in some gene clusters protect them from thermal damage. The GC base pairing requires three hydrogen bonds and to break these bonds, high temperature is needed. Hence, the correct answer is option C.

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