If a plant were to acquire mobility,such that it could more easily escape adverse conditions and enemies,genes involved in which function would most likely be lost over evolutionary time? (Hint: Think about the comparative genomics of plants and animals,such as those of Arabidopsis and the nematode C.elegans. )
A) Photosynthesis
B) Cell signaling
C) Defense chemicals
D) Cell growth
E) Metabolism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plants rely heavily on the production of defense chemicals to protect themselves from herbivores and pathogens. If a plant were able to move and escape these threats, the selective pressure for producing these chemicals would decrease, leading to the loss of the genes involved in their synthesis. Photosynthesis, cell signaling, cell growth, and metabolism are all essential functions that would likely be maintained even if a plant acquired mobility.

If a Plant Were to Acquire Mobility,such That It Could