AP Success - AP Biology Conceptual Analysis: Info Storage & Transfer - DNA, RNA, and Gene Expression

Scientists have discovered a new species of bacteria in the deep-sea vents that has a unique gene coding for a protein that allows it to survive in extreme temperatures.

Describe the process of gene expression in this bacteria.

The gene coding for the heat-resistant protein is found to have a sequence of nucleotides that is very different from the genes of other bacteria. Explain how this unique sequence of nucleotides could result in a protein that allows the bacteria to survive in extreme temperatures.

Predict the effect on the bacteria's survival if a mutation occurs in the promoter region of the gene coding for the heat-resistant protein.

Some scientists claim that this bacteria could have evolved its unique gene through horizontal gene transfer from an archaea species. Justify this claim.