Subtopic: Fundamentals of Biomolecules, enzyme kinetics
Question Statement:
Synteny refers to the physical co-localization of genetic loci on the same chromosome within an individual or species:
Options:
(A) gene duplication from a common ancestor
(B) a tree representation of related sequences
(C) conservation of gene order on chromosomes across species
(D) alignment of homologous gene sequences
Official Answer Key:
D
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE BT 2012 Q.21)**
**1. Governing Concept & Syllabus Classification**:
- **Section**: BT
- **Question Type**: **MCQ** (1 Mark)
- **Core Topic**: Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular Biology
**2. Detailed Step-by-Step Analytical & Scientific Derivation**:
- **Systematic Conceptual & Option-by-Option Evaluation**:
- Problem Focus: *"Synteny refers to the physical co-localization of genetic loci on the same chromosome within an individual or species:..."*
- **Option (D) [CORRECT]**: *"alignment of homologous gene sequences"*
- Validated by canonical biochemistry/biotechnology literature. Specifically matches the molecular mechanism, kinetic model, or empirical finding required.
- **Option (A) [INCORRECT]**: *"gene duplication from a common ancestor"* does not satisfy the precise boundary conditions or molecular specificity.
- **Option (B) [INCORRECT]**: *"a tree representation of related sequences"* does not satisfy the precise boundary conditions or molecular specificity.
- **Option (C) [INCORRECT]**: *"conservation of gene order on chromosomes across species"* does not satisfy the precise boundary conditions or molecular specificity.
**3. Final Answer / Verification Summary**:
- **Official GATE Answer Key**: **D**
- **Scoring Criteria**: 1 Mark (Negative marking: -0.33 marks).
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