Question

which statement best explains the reason for the absence of chlorophyll in other plant cells?
a the gene for the production of chlorophyll is lost.
b the gene for the production of chlorophyll is altered.
c the gene for the production of chlorophyll is not replicated.
d the gene for the production of chlorophyll is not expressed.

Explanation:

All plant cells have the same set of genes, including the gene for chlorophyll production. The absence of chlorophyll in some plant cells (like root cells) occurs because the gene is not expressed, as cell differentiation turns off specific genes based on the cell's function. Losing, altering, or failing to replicate the gene would be a genetic mutation or error, not the normal reason for chlorophyll absence in specialized cells.

Answer:

D. The gene for the production of chlorophyll is not expressed.