Question

Part One:

Gene duplication and subsequent divergence is important because....

None of these.

it is the process whereby offspring become increasingly different from their ancestors.

it always results in the emergence of new species when new genes are created from duplicates of old genes.

it can result in new genes, as a result of new mutations arising in duplicates of old genes

Part Two:

What characteristics of the plasma membrane are important for the cell?

All of these

It allows for electrical gradients to persist between the inside and outside

It prevents polar molecules from crossing, except through protein channels

It allows gases to diffuse in and out

It allows for chemical gradients to persist between the inside and outside

Answer 1

1. Option 4 is correct
Gene duplication followed by diversification is an important method for the generation of new genes.
The duplicated genes may accumulate new mutations and perform a different function. It may not essentially lead to the evolution of a different species.

2. Option A is correct
Biological membranes are macromolecular assemblies of phospholipids and proteins. Biological membranes are essential components of living systems. They are the defining features of any living cell. A cell can survive even without the nucleus but it cannot be viable without the cell membrane. It maintains the integrity of the cell by regulating the movement of molecules across the membrane.