When the sheep Dolly was successfully cloned, it was produced by growing an in vitro fertilized egg where the normal egg nucleus had been removed and replaced by a nucleus from an adult. Since this nucleus was from an older mature animal, which of the following would be a reasonable expectation?
A) The nucleus from the older mature animal would have additional Barr bodies.
B) The nucleus from the older mature animal would contain DNA with many mutations.
C) The nucleus from the older mature animal would contain chromosomes with shorter telomeres.
D) The nucleus from the older mature animal would have chromosomes with longer telomeres.
E) The nucleus from the older mature animal would have a higher concentration of mRNA.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Telomeres are the protective end caps on chromosomes that shorten with each cell division and are associated with aging. As the nucleus was taken from an older and more mature animal, the chromosomes would have shorter telomeres. This could potentially lead to premature aging or other health problems in the cloned animal. Therefore, choice C is the best answer.

When the Sheep Dolly Was Successfully Cloned, It Was Produced