Some species of choanoflagellates can form multicellular structures in the presence of their desired food bacterium; however, not all choanoflagellate species will form multicellular structures. Multicellularity is induced in some forms of choanoflagellates because of signals released by the bacterium. This variation in the ability to develop multicellular structures is MOST likely the result of:
A)changes in patterns of gene expression resulting in multicellular aggregations in some, but not all choanoflagellates.
B)changes in the pattern of integrin expression in choaoflagellates forming multicellular aggregations.
C)the evolution of genes for cell-adhesion molecules in only in choanoflagellates that form multicellular aggregations.
D)the evolution of differential responses to environmental signals.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The variation in the ability to form multicellular structures in choanoflagellates is most likely due to the evolution of differential responses to environmental signals. This suggests that different species of choanoflagellates have evolved different mechanisms for sensing and responding to the signals released by their desired food bacterium. It is not likely due to changes in gene expression or the evolution of specific genes for cell-adhesion molecules or integrins.

Some Species of Choanoflagellates Can Form Multicellular Structures in the Presence