Q3CC - Campbell Biology

Question

WHAT IF? What evolutionary processes might account for prokaryotes having smaller genomes than eukaryotes?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Natural selection is demarcated as the evolutionary process that describes the smaller genomes of prokaryotes than eukaryotes.

 

In comparison to eukaryotes, prokaryotes are commonly smaller cells. Also, the mode of reproduction in prokaryotes is binary fission. 

Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Eukaryotic cells possess a larger size than prokaryotic cells. Due to the small size of prokaryotes, they also have smaller genomes than eukaryotes. 

 

Genetic material is defined as the entity that comprises the complete set of DNA existing in the organism. Each genome consists of all of the information required for building and maintaining that organism.

Differences between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

The chief difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells is that eukaryotes possess a membrane-bound nucleus; however, prokaryotic cells lack this. 

 

In eukaryotes, the nucleus is present that acts as a storage center for their genetic information. In the case of prokaryotes, data is stored in the nucleoid region.

Natural Selection

The evolutionary process elaborated is natural selection. This process indicates the shaped designs of genetic variation through the human genome. This process deals with the more rapidly replicating cells. The fast replication and division of DNA in eukaryotes describe that eukaryotes are dominant. 

 

Therefore, the process of natural selection displays smaller genomes of prokaryotes and larger genomes of eukaryotes.