The Basis for Diversity,both Within a Species and Among Species,is

Question

The basis for diversity,both within a species and among species,is a result of the
A)arrangement of a few base molecules into many different macromolecular combinations.
B)shared structures of polymers and lipids.
C)infinite number of base molecules to build from.
D)ratio of lipid to protein.
E)fact that some individuals have mutations.

Accepted Answer

The arrangement of a few base molecules, such as nucleotides, into many different macromolecular combinations (such as DNA and proteins) is the fundamental basis for diversity within a species and among species. This allows for genetic variation and the potential for evolution. The shared structures of polymers and lipids (B) relate more to the biochemical makeup of cells and do not directly lead to diversity. The infinite number of base molecules to build from (C) is not accurate, as there are a finite number of nucleotides and amino acids. The ratio of lipid to protein (D) relates more to the composition of cell membranes and does not directly lead to diversity. While mutations (E) can contribute to diversity, they alone do not account for the vast amount of variation seen within and between species.