Question

Which of the following relies on molecular biology methods to provide evidence for demonstrating relationships among species?

• A. Analysis of habitats to determine if differences in habitat could lead to speciation
• B. Analysis of embryonic structures such as gill arches to determine evolutionary relationships
• C. Analysis of vertebrate skeletons to determine common structures
• D. Analysis of cytochrome C proteins in various species
• E. Analysis of relationships between predators and prey to determine if coevolution occurs

Answer 1

The correct option is D Analysis of cytochrome C proteins in various species

Molecular biology methods relies on biochemical evidences for depicting common ancestry. For example, cytochrome C. It is a respiratory pigment found in all eukaryotic cells, which is a part of electron transport system. Cytochrome-C accepts hydrogen ions in all eukaryotic cells. The cytochrome-C molecule of human and chimpanzee is identical whereas Neurospora differ from human's cytochrome-C by the position of 44/104 amino acid.

So, the correct answer is 'Analysis of cytochrome C proteins in various species'.