Question

Read the following statements (i-iv) related to biochemical evidence of evolution and identify the correct option from the given below.

i) Enzymes of energy producing catabolic reactions are almost common in plants and animals.
ii) The function of lymph is common in all organisms.
iii) The blood proteins in all vertebrates show similarities.
iv) The blood groups A and B are found in monkeys.

• A. i and ii are correct
• B. i, ii and iii are correct
• C. ii and iv are correct
• D. iii and iv are correct

Answer 1

The correct option is A i and ii are correct

Organisms show relationships in the physiological and biochemical processes occurring in the body. This gives strong evidence for evolution.

A large number of enzymes are the same in all plants and animals. The enzymes of the energy producing catabolic reactions are almost similar in all organisms. For example - hexokinase (helps in breaking down 6 carbon sugars like glucose) is present in both plants and animals. So, statement (i) is correct.

Blood and lymph are connective tissues composed of corpuscles and fluid in animals. The components and function of blood and lymph are very much similar in most of the animals. Lymph helps in transportation of nutrients, removal of waste materials and exchange of gases in all animals. So, statement (ii) is true.

Albumin, fibrinogen and globulin are the plasma proteins. Fibrinogen helps in blood clotting. Albumin and globulin help in maintaining the colloidal osmotic pressure at about 25 mmHg. Globulin also helps in defence by forming antibodies. Blood proteins are similar to a large extent in various mammals but are sharply distinguishable from those of other vertebrates. So, statement (iii) is wrong.

Four blood groups A, B, AB and O are found in humans. The blood group A and B are also found in apes but not in monkeys, because human beings are more closely related to apes than to monkeys. So, statement (iv) is wrong.