Volvox,the multicellular green alga shown here,has flagellated cells on its surface cells,but not on interior cells.Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the development of this condition?
A) Interior cells attempt to grow flagella, but the lack of open space suppresses the effort.
B) Interior cells discard the genetic instructions for flagella once their interior position is established.
C) The commitment of resources for photosynthesis reduces the availability of protein and other biomolecules needed to produce flagella.
D) Signals from surface cells or the absence of signals from the environment to the plasma membranes of the interior cells suppresses the growth of flagella.

Question

Volvox,the multicellular green alga shown here,has flagellated cells on its surface cells,but not on interior cells.Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the development of this condition? 
A) Interior cells attempt to grow flagella, but the lack of open space suppresses the effort. 
B) Interior cells discard the genetic instructions for flagella once their interior position is established. 
C) The commitment of resources for photosynthesis reduces the availability of protein and other biomolecules needed to produce flagella. 
D) Signals from surface cells or the absence of signals from the environment to the plasma membranes of the interior cells suppresses the growth of flagella.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most likely explanation for the development of this condition is that signals from surface cells or the absence of signals from the environment to the plasma membranes of the interior cells suppresses the growth of flagella. This explanation is supported by the fact that the surface cells have flagella and are exposed to the environment, while the interior cells lack flagella and are shielded from the environment by the surface cells. Signals from the surface cells or the absence of signals from the environment could influence the plasma membrane of the interior cells, preventing them from growing flagella.

Volvox,the Multicellular Green Alga Shown Here,has Flagellated Cells on Its