During the warm temperatures of summer, the arctic fox produces enzymes that cause its fur to become reddish-brown. During the cold temperatures of winter, these enzymes do not function. As a result, the fox has a white coat that blends into the snowy background. What explains this change in color?

Question 22 options:

The genes of a fox are made of unstable DNA.

Mutations can be caused by temperature extremes.

Random alteration of DNA can occur on certain chromosomes.

The expression of certain genes is affected by temperature.

Question

Dots

Biology

13 June, 08:16

During the warm temperatures of summer, the arctic fox produces enzymes that cause its fur to become reddish-brown. During the cold temperatures of winter, these enzymes do not function. As a result, the fox has a white coat that blends into the snowy background. What explains this change in color?

Question 22 options:

The genes of a fox are made of unstable DNA.

Mutations can be caused by temperature extremes.

Random alteration of DNA can occur on certain chromosomes.

The expression of certain genes is affected by temperature.

+3

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Jaxon Santiago · Answer 1

The correct option is D) The expression of certain genes is affected by temperature.

Explanation:

There are various factors which control the regulation of a gene. Temperature can be a regulatory factor for certain genes.

Probably, during the warm temperatures, the proteins regulating the fur colour to become reddish brown become activate these genes. As a result, the fur becomes evident.

In the winter, the enzymes controlling the fur might become degraded. A s a result, the genes are not able to express themselves. Hence, a white coat occurs.