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Question #45171
The Question
A massive monoculture of a transgenic crop, engineered via antisense RNA technology to suppress polygalacturonase expression, is harvested. The crop residue is left in the field to undergo decomposition. Which of the following statements regarding the subsequent nutrient cycling in this ecosystem is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The initial rate of catabolism by saprotrophs will decrease due to the delayed degradation of the pectin-rich middle lamella.
- B.
The delayed breakdown of the cell wall will lead to a faster rate of mineralization and an immediate increase in the soil's standing state.
- C.
The prolonged structural integrity of the detritus will result in a temporary increase in the mass of the detritus standing crop.
- D.
The process of humification will be delayed because the enzymatic accessibility of the organic substrates to decomposers is restricted.
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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
Flavr Savr Tomato Logic|Cry Gene Specificity|Ecological Fitness
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating Biotechnology (enzyme suppression) with Ecosystem Ecology (decomposition rates).
The trap relies on confusing the outcome of delayed degradation.
Students often fail to distinguish between 'standing crop' (organic biomass) and 'standing state' (inorganic nutrients).
A delay in catabolism and humification strictly implies a delay in mineralization, meaning the standing state of the soil will not increase immediately.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology and Its Applications - Class 12 |
| Concept | Flavr Savr Tomato Logic |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |