Unit 3: Topic 7 - Fitness

Question 1

Why is variation at the molecular level good for organisms?

Answer 1

Variation at the molecular level is good for organisms because it allows organisms to respond to multiple stimuli, which increases the chance for the organism to live. For example, a plant cell that has multiple types of chlorophyll that absorb different types of light would be able to absorb light that a plant with only one type of chlorophyll could not. The plant with variation would better survive in a changing environment since if the light changed, it could still absorb light for energy.

Question 2

Why would a plant cell have multiple types of chlorophyll?

Answer 2

Plant cells have multiple types of chlorophyll, such as chlorophyll a,n, and beta carotene, to absorb multiple wavelengths of light. This is advantageous for the plant cells because it allows them to absorb light energy to produce more glucose and oxygen under multiple conditions. If a plant cell only had one type of chlorophyll, it would only be able to produce glucose and oxygen if the light was at a specific wavelength.