15) Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. By contrast, chimpanzees have 24 pairs of
chromosomes and lack any pair resembling the long human chromosome 2 pair; instead,
chimpanzees have two pairs of medium-sized chromosomes, each of which resembles parts of
human chromosome pair 2. What is the most likely explanation for these differences and
similarities in the human and chimpanzee genomes?
A) The common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees had 24 pairs of chromosomes, and at
some point in the human lineage, two chromosomes fused end to end, providing some selective
advantage.
B) The common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees had 23 pairs of chromosomes, but when
chimpanzees evolved, one of the chromosomes broke in half.
C) At some point in evolution, human ancestors and chimpanzee ancestors were able to mate and
produce fertile offspring, making a new species.
D) Chromosome breakage resulted in additional centromeres being made, allowing meiosis to
proceed successfully.
16) When does exon shuffling occur?
A) during splicing of DNA
B) during DNA replication
C) during meiotic recombination
D) during posttranslational modification of proteins
17) What might be the most reasonable approach to determine the probable function of a
particular sequence of DNA in humans?
A) Genetically engineer a mouse with a copy of this sequence and examine its phenotype.
B) Look for a reasonably identical sequence in another species, prepare a knockout of this
sequence in that species, and look for the consequences.
C) Prepare a genetically engineered bacterial culture with the sequence inserted and assess which
new protein is synthesized.
D) Mate two individuals heterozygous for the normal and mutated sequences.