Refer to the table showing several prokaryote (bacterial) species (labeled A-E) that have been sequenced, along with the findings of the genes they contain.(Note: "x" marks the species possessing a functional copy of the gene.) Gene 1 is essential for the synthesis of several amino acids.Gene 2 encodes a protein involved in strengthening the cell wall.Gene 3 produces an enzyme that breaks down methane.The functions of the other five genes are currently unknown. Species A and B are closely related, while the others are not.Which species pairs most likely exchanged genes?
A) Species A and C
B) Species A and E
C) Species B and D
D) Species C and D
E) Species D and E

Question

Refer to the table showing several prokaryote (bacterial) species (labeled A-E) that have been sequenced, along with the findings of the genes they contain.(Note: "x" marks the species possessing a functional copy of the gene.) Gene 1 is essential for the synthesis of several amino acids.Gene 2 encodes a protein involved in strengthening the cell wall.Gene 3 produces an enzyme that breaks down methane.The functions of the other five genes are currently unknown.  Species A and B are closely related, while the others are not.Which species pairs most likely exchanged genes?
A) Species A and C 
B) Species A and E 
C) Species B and D 
D) Species C and D 
E) Species D and E

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Species A and E are the most likely to have exchanged genes because they both possess functional copies of Gene 1 and Gene 2, which are essential genes for amino acid synthesis and cell wall strengthening, respectively. Additionally, while they do not share any other functional genes, their divergence in the unknown genes may suggest a potential for lateral gene transfer.

Refer to the Table Showing Several Prokaryote (Bacterial) Species (Labeled