Substrate Record: qid 3425

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qid 3425 · biology

Question: Suppose you discovered a new species of bioluminescent worm . How could you prove that it was the worm itself and not some contaminating bacteria that was producing the light ?

1. Isolate the light-producing organ and test it in isolation from the worm
2. Use spectroscopy to analyze the light's wavelength signature and compare it to known bioluminescent organisms
3. Place the light-producing substance in complete growth media or physically examine the light-emitting substance under a microscope.
4. Treat the worm with antibiotics to see if the light production stops
5. Conduct genetic modification to knock out suspected bioluminescent genes and observe if light production ceases
6. Perform DNA sequencing on the worm
7. Look for the presence of bioluminescent proteins in the worm
8. Compare the worm's bioluminescence with known bacterial bioluminescence patterns
9. Observe the worm in a dark environment
10. Measure the intensity of light produced by the worm over time to see if it correlates with the worm's life cycle

Our answer: C. Place the light-producing substance in complete growth media or physically examine the light-emitting substance under a microscope. Source pending

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