In the sea urchin, a massive diversification of innate recognition receptors has occurred, resulting in the presence of over 200 TLR genes, over 200 NOD-like receptor genes, and over 200 scavenger receptor genes in the genome of these organisms. These receptors are unlikely to contribute to an enhanced innate immune response in sea urchins, because nearly all of these genes are pseuodgenes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement is false. While sea urchins do have a massive diversification of innate recognition receptors with over 200 genes for TLRs, NOD-like receptors, and scavenger receptors, not all of these genes are pseudogenes. Some of them are functional and contribute to the innate immune response of sea urchins.

In the Sea Urchin, a Massive Diversification of Innate Recognition