Question

Determine the correctness or otherwise of the following Assertion [a] and the Reason [r].
Assertion [a]: In multicellular organisms, cells of different lineages have different gene expression profiles.
Reason [r]: Alternative splicing is the only mechanism to generate protein diversity.

• A. Both [a] and [r] are false
• B. Both [a] and [r] are true and [r] is the correct reason for [a]
• C. Both [a] and [r] are true but [r] is not the correct reason for [a]
• D. [a] is true but [r] is false

Hint:

Differential gene expression is the basis of cell specialisation.
Protein diversity is achieved not only by alternative splicing but also by post-translational modifications and RNA editing.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Assertion [a] states that different cell lineages have different gene expression profiles. This is true because differential gene expression allows specialised cell functions in multicellular organisms.
Step 2: Reason [r] states that "Alternative splicing is the only mechanism to generate protein diversity." This is false. Protein diversity also arises from processes such as RNA editing, post-translational modifications, and gene recombination.
Step 3: Therefore, [a] is correct but [r] is false. Hence, the correct option is (D).