Gene Interactions
When the expression of a single trait is influenced by two or more different non-allelic genes, it is termed as genetic interaction. According to Mendel's law of inheritance, each gene functions in its own way and does not depend on the function of another gene, i.e., a single gene controls each of seven characteristics considered, but the complex contribution of many different genes determine many traits of an organism.
Gene Expression
Gene expression is a process by which the instructions present in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) are converted into useful molecules such as proteins, and functional messenger ribonucleic (mRNA) molecules in the case of non-protein-coding genes.
In Oct 2022, a chilling discovery was made in Vuvatu, a country known for its extensive volcanic landscapes. Scientists found the remains of a large organism that had no resemblance to any current form of life on Earth. The organism also had no resemblance to any fossils ever found, including the very few fossils ever recovered from Vuvatu (fossils are rarely ever found in Vuvatu since volcanic landscapes are generally not conducive of fossilization). The world buzzed with the possibility that this was a crash site for an extraterrestrial body. An extensive study of the uncovered remains was conducted by many research facilities. Their conclusions regarding the organism’s features are listed below:
-
Physical features: The organism has a surprisingly soft and malleable exoskeleton that reflects ambient light, creating mesmerizing patterns. In fact, the remains highly suggest that most of its body parts are soft and blubbery rather than rigid.
-
Habitat: Given its relationship with light, it is suggested that the organism does not commonly burrow.
Question: Another group of scientists was able to make inferences about the genetic code and central dogma processes in the uncovered remains. Their conclusions are summarized in the table shown. Based on this information, provide an explanation that SUPPORTS extraterrestrial origin. Please explain your logic using concepts discussed in lecture. Please make sure to address both genetic code and central dogma comparisons in your answer.
Step by step
Solved in 3 steps
