When comparing the genome sizes of a bacterial parasite versus a free-living,nonparasitic bacterium,one expects to find that
A)the proportion of G-C base pairs will be significantly higher in the parasite.
B)the proportion of G-C base pairs will be significantly lower in the parasite.
C)there will be a higher proportion of genes of unknown function in the parasite.
D)the parasite will have acquired a smaller proportion of its genes through lateral gene transfer.
E)the parasite will have a smaller genome.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Generally, parasites have smaller genomes than free-living organisms because they rely on their hosts for many nutrients and metabolic pathways. Therefore, the parasite in this comparison is expected to have a smaller genome. The proportion of G-C base pairs, the number of genes of unknown function, and the proportion of lateral gene transfer may or may not be different between the two organisms and cannot be generalized.

When Comparing the Genome Sizes of a Bacterial Parasite Versus