If we compare the genetic codes of the four organisms seen here, which statement is MOST accurate?

Question

Responses
A All four organisms have exactly the same genetic code.All four organisms have exactly the same genetic code.
B All four organisms have the same genome, but the number of chromosomes per organism varies.All four organisms have the same genome, but the number of chromosomes per organism varies.
C All four organisms have exactly the same components in their DNA, but it varies in number and sequence.All four organisms have exactly the same components in their DNA, but it varies in number and sequence.
D There are almost no similarities between the genetic code of these four organisms, and are placed into four different kingdoms.

Answer 1

To determine the most accurate statement regarding the genetic codes of four organisms, we must consider the nature of genetic variation among organisms.

The most accurate statement is:

C. All four organisms have exactly the same components in their DNA, but it varies in number and sequence.

This statement holds true because all living organisms share the same basic building blocks of DNA (nucleotides: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine), but the number and sequence of these components can differ greatly between different species or organisms, leading to variations in genetic coding and characteristics.

The other options are inaccurate for the following reasons:

• A is incorrect because while the genetic code is largely universal, it is not exactly the same across all organisms.
• B is misleading; organisms do not share the same genome; their genomes are different, even if they may have the same types of genes.
• D is overly broad and not accurate; many organisms, even from different kingdoms, may still share significant genetic similarities.

Thus, option C is the best representation of genetic variation among organisms.