Brine shrimps are one of only two known animals that can survive in highly saline waters. Writing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Artigas et al. report a biological innovation that might help these shrimps to achieve this extraordinary feat. Membrane-bound ‘pump’ enzymes regulate the levels of sodium and potassium ions in cells — exporting three sodium ions out of cells for every two potassium ions imported. In addition to the regular form of these pumps, brine shrimps produce a mutant form, the expression of which increases greatly in highly saline waters.7Mark for ReviewMCQABCWhich of the following, if true, most strengthens the author’s argument?AShrimp found in highly saline water have been found not to possess the pump enzymes whereas shrimp in freshwater do. BThe authors’ electrophysiology measurements on Brine shrimps confirmed that a larger-than-normal electrochemical gradient is maintained across the cell membrane and promotes survival in high salinity. CMutations in enzymes have been historically linked to increased survival rates of fruit bats introduced to new ecosystems and may be a factor in brine shrimp survival.DThe regular enzyme pumps are highly efficient methods of expelling sodium from the body of shrimps which help in survival in various environments in comparison to other animals.
Question
Brine shrimps are one of only two known animals that can survive in highly saline waters. Writing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Artigas et al. report a biological innovation that might help these shrimps to achieve this extraordinary feat. Membrane-bound ‘pump’ enzymes regulate the levels of sodium and potassium ions in cells — exporting three sodium ions out of cells for every two potassium ions imported. In addition to the regular form of these pumps, brine shrimps produce a mutant form, the expression of which increases greatly in highly saline waters.7Mark for ReviewMCQABCWhich of the following, if true, most strengthens the author’s argument?AShrimp found in highly saline water have been found not to possess the pump enzymes whereas shrimp in freshwater do. BThe authors’ electrophysiology measurements on Brine shrimps confirmed that a larger-than-normal electrochemical gradient is maintained across the cell membrane and promotes survival in high salinity. CMutations in enzymes have been historically linked to increased survival rates of fruit bats introduced to new ecosystems and may be a factor in brine shrimp survival.DThe regular enzyme pumps are highly efficient methods of expelling sodium from the body of shrimps which help in survival in various environments in comparison to other animals.
Solution
The statement that most strengthens the author's argument is B. The authors' electrophysiology measurements on Brine shrimps confirmed that a larger-than-normal electrochemical gradient is maintained across the cell membrane and promotes survival in high salinity. This statement directly supports the author's argument about the role of the mutant pump enzymes in helping brine shrimps survive in highly saline waters. It provides empirical evidence that the mutant pumps create a larger-than-normal electrochemical gradient, which is likely to be crucial for survival in high salinity.
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