Before You Begin
Question #46970
The Question
Cellular slime molds typically aggregate to form a multicellular pseudoplasmodium under unfavorable conditions (such as starvation) via cAMP-mediated chemotaxis. If a researcher introduces a metabolic mimic that artificially induces glucose repression, keeping the enzyme cAMP phosphodiesterase continuously active despite severe environmental starvation, which of the following represents the most likely phenotypic outcome?
Options
- A.
The amoebae will bypass the aggregation phase and directly differentiate into spore-bearing fruiting bodies.
- B.
The organism will fail to reach the cell-cell adhesion threshold and remain trapped in a unicellular, vegetative amoeboid state.
- C.
The individual cells will undergo plasmogamy to form a diploid, multinucleate true plasmodium.
- D.
The cells will exhibit hyper-aggregation due to the rapid accumulation of extracellular cAMP.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Euglenoid Pellicle Flexibility|Synaptic Delay Determinant|Ipsilateral vs Contralateral Signaling
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The question tests the synthesis of NCERT's basic slime mold life cycle ('unfavorable conditions lead to aggregation/fruiting bodies') with the biochemical mechanism of cAMP signaling and enzymatic degradation.
Common Misconception: Students often blindly associate 'unfavorable conditions' directly with 'fruiting bodies' (Option A) without recognizing the obligatory intermediate aggregation step.
Furthermore, students may confuse the function of phosphodiesterase (degradation) with adenylate cyclase (synthesis), leading them to choose Option D, or confuse cellular slime molds with acellular slime molds (Option C).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biological Classification - Class 11 |
| Concept | Euglenoid Pellicle Flexibility |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |