Question 5
An evolutionary hallmark among placental mammals is the formation of the placenta which allows the embryo to develop inside the female. Remarkably, the synctin protein which enables the placenta formation, is derived from an ancient retrovirus which has been endogenized and became part of the mammalian genome, and are expressed by synctiotrophoblasts. Which is not a property of synctin?
Editorial numbering: this is item 5 in sequence; printed label is 4.
A. Synctin is derived from the envelope protein of an ancient retrovirus.
B. Synctin enables the fusion of synctiotrophoblasts to form a multicellular barrier.
C. Synctin prevents the maternal and fetal blood from physically mixing.
D. Synctin allows the transfer of nutrients, gasses, and wastes between the maternal and fetal blood.
E. All of the above are true.
Editorial review: explain the scientific issue and state any assumptions needed for a supported answer.
Editorial numbering: this is item 5 in sequence; printed label is 4.
A. Synctin is derived from the envelope protein of an ancient retrovirus.
B. Synctin enables the fusion of synctiotrophoblasts to form a multicellular barrier.
C. Synctin prevents the maternal and fetal blood from physically mixing.
D. Synctin allows the transfer of nutrients, gasses, and wastes between the maternal and fetal blood.
E. All of the above are true.
Editorial review: explain the scientific issue and state any assumptions needed for a supported answer.