A researcher studying multi-coloration of Zea mays (maize) kernels compares the genomes of kernels that are red with those of kernels that are purple on the same corncob.The researcher examines the gene Zmf3′h1, whose functional expression results in red color instead of purple color.In the purple kernels, there is an insertion a few hundred base pairs long within this gene.When the researcher repeats this analysis of purple kernels on other corncobs, she sees the same phenomenon.However, the insertions occur at different points within the Zmf3′h1 gene.What genetic phenomenon has the researcher most likely found evidence of?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The researcher has most likely found evidence of transposons, which are mobile genetic elements that can insert themselves into different locations within a genome. This explains why the insertion occurs at different points within the same gene in different corncobs. Chromosomal inversions, reciprocal translocations, duplication, and chromosomal deletions would involve larger-scale rearrangements of genetic material and would not explain the specific phenomenon observed in this study.

A Researcher Studying Multi-Coloration of Zea Mays (Maize) Kernels Compares