Evidence supporting the lokiarchaeotes as the closest relatives of the eukaryotes is based on the presence of certain genes in the lokiarchaeote genome.Scientists are confident of this newly described relationship because the genes found
A) in these prokaryotic archaea confer a fitness advantage.
B) are involved in fundamental biological processes that take place in eukaryotes.
C) are conserved in all three domains of life.
D) are unique to prokaryotic archaea.
E) are more closely related to those found in bacteria.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The evidence supporting the lokiarchaeotes as the closest relatives of the eukaryotes is based on the fact that the genes found in these prokaryotic archaea are involved in fundamental biological processes that take place in eukaryotes. This suggests a common ancestry and supports the idea of a symbiotic relationship between the ancestors of eukaryotes and Lokiarchaeota.

Evidence Supporting the Lokiarchaeotes as the Closest Relatives of the Eukaryotes