Question

Various observations suggest that V(D)J recombination, which is an essential process for the maintenance of the vertebrate immune system, was evolutionarily derived from DNA transpositional recombination. Which of the following comparisons between V(D)J and DNA transpositional recombination is NOT true?
A. V(D)J recombination is similar to the replicative transpositional mechanism.
B. Excision of genes in V(D)J involves the formation of a DNA-hairpin intermediate similar to that seen in the Hermes transposon pathway.
C. The V(D)J recombinase protein RAG1 is likely homologous with DDE transposases.
D.Recombination signal sequences are functionally similar to terminal inverted repeats.
E. V(D)J recombination is similar to the replicative transpositional mechanism.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is option A. "V(D)J recombination is similar to the replicative transpositional mechanism".

Explanation:

V(D)J recombination and the replicative transpositional mechanism are very different biological processes. V(D)J recombination is an unique mechanism that takes place by somatic recombination and results in the highly diverse repertoire of antibodies. On the other hand, the replicative transpositional mechanism takes place when a transposable element is duplicated during replication.