Question

A researcher is trying to construct a molecular-based phylogeny of the entire animal kingdom. Assuming that none of the following genes is absolutely conserved, which of the following would be the best choice on which to base the phylogeny?
A) genes involved in chitin synthesis
B) collagen genes
C) beta-catenin genes
D) genes involved in eye-lens synthesis
E) genes that cause radial body symmetry

Answer 1

B) is the correct option

Explanation:

• Collagen is a hard, insoluble, and fibrous protein that makes up one-third of the protein in the human body
• Molecules in collagen are packed together to form long and thin fibrils
• These act as supporting structures and anchor cells to each other and also give the skin strength and elasticity
• Collagen is the most abundant protein found in bones, tendons and muscle skin
• Collagen forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure

Because of these characteristics, genes associated with collagen is the best choice to base the phylogeny, rest all other options are not much diverse and specific to particular group of animal kingdom