Selection favors prokaryotic organisms that maintain smaller genomes over prokaryotic organisms with larger genomes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is because larger genomes require more energy for DNA replication and maintenance, and larger cells require more resources for growth and division. Therefore, prokaryotic organisms with smaller genomes have a selective advantage over those with larger genomes, as they can allocate more resources towards other functions such as metabolism and reproduction. Smaller genomes also allow for faster replication and adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

Selection Favors Prokaryotic Organisms That Maintain Smaller Genomes Over Prokaryotic