Question

If someone collects ribosomal sequences from a group of organisms, what is this data most useful for?

a. Determining the types of environments where the organisms typically grow.

b. Discerning ancient evolutionary relationships above the genus level.

c. Detecting horizontal gene transfer.

d. Distinguishing closely related species from the same genus.

Answer 1

Option d) 16s rRNA codes for 30S subunits of the ribosome. This sequence is highly conserved in species. This sequencing can be utilized to identify the closely related species from the genus. It is one of the standard tests to determine the complexity and bacterial taxonomy since these 16s rRNA regions are present in all bacteria. Therefore, it is the most accurate option of all.