When Warnecke and colleagues were looking for genes that are involved in the digestion of lignocellulose by termites, they needed genes_______ .
A) expressed when a termite is eating
B) for the bacterial enzymes found in the lignocellulose- digesting part of the gut
C) of the termites' mitochondria
D) from the sequences of the termite genome
E) genes found in cells of the termites mouth

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The researchers were looking for genes that are involved in the digestion of lignocellulose by termites. Lignocellulose is a complex carbohydrate that is found in plant cell walls. The researchers needed to find genes that are expressed in the part of the termite gut where lignocellulose is digested. These genes would be responsible for producing the enzymes that break down lignocellulose into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the termite.

When Warnecke and Colleagues Were Looking for Genes That Are