The following questions are based on the observation that several dozen different proteins comprise the prokaryotic flagellum and its attachment to the prokaryotic cell, producing a highly complex structure.
-If the complex protein assemblage of the prokaryotic flagellum arose by the same general processes as those of the complex eyes of molluscs (such as squids and octopi), then
A) natural selection cannot account for the rise of the prokaryotic flagellum.
B) ancestral versions of this protein assemblage were either less functional or had different functions than modern prokaryotic flagella.
C) scientists should accept the conclusion that neither eyes nor flagella could have arisen by evolution.
D) we can conclude that both of these structures must have arisen through the direct action of an "intelligent designer."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observation that the prokaryotic flagellum comprises several dozen different proteins suggests that this structure has evolved over time. Ancestral versions of this protein assemblage were likely less functional or had different functions than modern prokaryotic flagella, and natural selection may have favored the accumulation of new mutations and the elaboration of this structure over time. This is similar to the evolution of complex eyes in molluscs, where ancestral versions of this structure were likely less sophisticated or had different functions than modern eyes.

The Following Questions Are Based on the Observation That Several