Question

An aquatic plants, $Cabomba$ $caroliniana$, shows substantial developmental plasticity. The submerged leaves of the plant are feathery (which are not damaged due to flowing underwater currents) while leaves on the surface are padded (and help in floatation). The correct statement related to the above phenotypes is

• A. The genome content of the submerged leaves is different from that of leaves on the surface
• B. The observed phenotypic variation in leaves is not influenced by diverse growth conditions
• C. These phenotypic variations are due to somatic mutations
• D. The submerged and floating leaves may have variations in the expression patterns of structures and / or regulatory genes

Answer 1

The correct option is D The submerged and floating leaves may have variations in the expression patterns of structures and / or regulatory genes

Cabomba caroliniana is an aquatic plant showing developmental plasticity by growth of different types of leaves. The submerged leaves prevents underwater damage and surface leaves helps in floating. The difference in this type of leaves is due to expression of the regulatory genes which controls the development of leaves. As per the variations in the gene expression patterns, the phenotype of leaves differs.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.