You are studying 12 new isolates from the human skin.The isolates have 16S rRNA sequences that are 97% similar and share important phenotypic traits.Their genomes have 55% of their genes in common.The isolates would most likely be
A) classified as individual strains of the same species.
B) classified as individual species of the same genus.
C) split into different families.
D) classified as the same species if they can mate via conjugation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The high similarity in 16S rRNA sequences and important phenotypic traits indicate that the isolates are likely to belong to the same species. The fact that they share 55% of their genes suggests that they are individual strains within that species. Therefore, option A is the most likely classification. Option B may be possible, but less likely given the high genome similarity. Option C is unlikely, as splitting into different families would require a larger genetic variation. Option D is also unlikely, as the ability to mate via conjugation is not a reliable method for species classification.

You Are Studying 12 New Isolates from the Human Skin