91Ó°ÊÓ

Phylogeny is important to everyday life in human society. How did the research team in China use phylogeny as a guide to discover new plants that can be used to benefit people? a. The research team used DNA to uncover phylogenetic relationships in the legume family, and they found a compound in the plant that is effective in treating cancer. b. The research team used DNA to uncover phylogenetic relationships in the legume family, and then they identified a newly discovered plant as Dalbergia sissoo. c. The research team used DNA to uncover phylogenetic relationships in the legume family, and they found a DNA marker that can be used to screen for plants with potential medicinal properties. d. The research team searched all the relatives of the newly discovered plant Dlabergia sissoo to find antifungal properties.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Questions

Go through each of the options (a, b, c, and d) to understand what each one is proposing regarding how phylogeny is used by the research team to discover new plants.

02

Identify Key Elements

Note that each option involves using DNA to uncover phylogenetic relationships within the legume family. Focus on the specific outcomes that each option presents—such as finding a compound for treating cancer, identifying a plant species, finding a DNA marker, or searching for antifungal properties.

03

Relate to Phylogenetic Use

Phylogeny, in this context, is about understanding how different plants are related through genetic information. Assess which of these outcomes best aligns with the use of phylogenetic information to benefit human society.

04

Evaluate Options

Evaluate option (a): Finding a compound effective in treating cancer due to phylogenetic findings. Evaluate option (b): Identifying a newly discovered plant as Dalbergia sissoo. Evaluate option (c): Finding a DNA marker that helps screen plants for medicinal properties. Evaluate option (d): Searching relatives of Dalbergia sissoo for antifungal properties.

05

Select the Best Answer

From the evaluation, the most aligned option with using phylogenetic relationships to discover new plants benefiting human society is option (c)—finding a DNA marker that can be used to screen for plants with potential medicinal properties.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

• Full Textbook Solutions

  Get detailed explanations and key concepts

• Unlimited Al creation

  Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

• Ads-free access

  To over 500 millions flashcards

• Money-back guarantee

  We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

DNA analysis

DNA analysis is a powerful tool in modern science. It allows researchers to dive deep into the genetic makeup of organisms. By examining the DNA sequences, scientists can uncover relationships between different species. This process is vital for phylogenetic research. Phylogeny, in simple terms, is the study of how organisms are related through evolution. Performing DNA analysis helps researchers understand these relationships on a genetic level. In the context of the legume family, DNA analysis reveals which plants are closely related. These insights guide scientists in discovering new plants with beneficial traits. By analyzing DNA, researchers can identify specific markers. These markers can point to plants with potential medicinal properties. This makes DNA analysis a cornerstone in the quest for new medicinal plants.

Legume family

The legume family is known for its diversity and importance. It includes plants like beans, lentils, and peas. Legumes are not just important for food; they also have significant medicinal properties. The research team focused on this family due to its wide range of species. Utilizing DNA analysis, they could identify relationships within this plant family. This is important because closely related plants often share similar traits. For example, if one legume has medicinal properties, its relatives might as well. Studying the legume family's phylogeny helps in pinpointing plants worth researching further. This approach streamlines the search for plants with beneficial properties, making the process more efficient and targeted.

Medicinal properties

Plants have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Today, scientific research helps us understand these properties better. When researchers find a DNA marker associated with medicinal properties, it opens doors to new discoveries. For instance, a particular marker might indicate that a plant produces compounds effective against diseases. The research team's use of phylogeny and DNA markers speeds up this discovery process. Instead of randomly testing plants, they focus on candidates likely to have medicinal benefits. This method is not only efficient but also increases the chances of success. By understanding which plants to prioritize, we can find new treatments and improve health outcomes.