In prophase I of meiosis in female Drosophila, studies have shown that there is phosphorylation of an amino acid in the tails of histones of gametes. A mutation in flies that interferes with this process results in sterility. Which of the following is the most likely hypothesis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Histone tail phosphorylation is known to facilitate chromosome condensation and therefore, it is unlikely that the absence of phosphorylation would lead to sterility. Rather, since the mutation interferes with the process of histone tail phosphorylation and results in sterility, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the phosphorylation is necessary for proper chromosome condensation during meiosis I in female Drosophila. Choice A is unsupported by evidence, and choice B is too general. Choice C is also too general and not supported by any evidence. Choice E is not consistent with the known function of histone tail phosphorylation.

In Prophase I of Meiosis in Female Drosophila, Studies Have