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Question #45151
The Question
Transgenic mice overexpressing the Growth Hormone (GH) gene exhibit massive somatic growth, becoming significantly larger than wild-type mice. If these transgenic mice are used to model physiological responses in colder environments, which of the following statements correctly integrates their altered morphology with the biophysical principles of thermoregulation (as seen in Allen's rule)?
Options
- A.
They possess a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio than wild-type mice, leading to rapid body heat loss and a higher basal metabolic rate per gram of tissue.
- B.
Their increased absolute surface area overrides the volume increase, making them expend more metabolic energy to prevent hypothermia.
- C.
They exhibit a decreased surface-area-to-volume ratio, thereby expending relatively less metabolic energy per unit mass to maintain internal homeostasis.
- D.
Their thermoregulatory efficiency remains unchanged because transgenic modifications only alter endocrine pathways, not the basal physics of heat exchange.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Transgenic Mouse|Surface-to-Volume Ratio|Thermal Tolerance
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students frequently confuse 'larger absolute surface area' with a 'larger surface-area-to-volume ratio'.
The trap relies on the student memorizing that 'mice have high metabolic rates due to large S:V ratios' without adapting the concept to the specific scenario of a giant transgenic mouse.
This tests the deep synthesis of Biotechnology (Transgenic models) and Ecology (Allen's rule/Thermoregulation).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology and Its Applications - Class 12 |
| Concept | Transgenic Animal Purpose |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |