What can be learned from comparing the genomes of distantly related species, such as yeast and humans or plants and fruit flies?

• A. Genes found in humans but not in yeast provide insight into human evolution.
• B. Conserved genes indicate that they were transferred laterally from one species to the other.
• C. All of the listed responses are correct.
• D. None of the listed responses is correct.
• E. Conserved genes provide insight into their evolutionary relationships.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the concept of genome comparison. Genomes are the complete set of DNA, including all of its genes, in an organism. Comparing genomes of different species helps us understand evolutionary relationships and functional biology.
2. Identify what conserved genes are. Conserved genes are those that remain relatively unchanged throughout evolution. They are often essential for basic cellular functions and are found in multiple species, indicating a common ancestor.
3. Consider the significance of conserved genes in evolutionary biology. The presence of conserved genes across distantly related species suggests that these genes were present in a common ancestor and have been maintained due to their essential functions.
4. Evaluate the statement: 'Conserved genes provide insight into their evolutionary relationships.' This is correct because conserved genes can reveal how species are related and how they have evolved over time.
5. Conclude that comparing genomes of distantly related species, such as yeast and humans, can provide valuable insights into evolutionary biology, particularly through the study of conserved genes, which highlight shared ancestry and essential biological functions.