Which of the following best describes two major benefits of gene regulation in cells?

• A. It prevents the synthesis of any proteins in the cell.
• B. It allows cells to conserve energy and respond to environmental changes.
• C. It increases mutation rates and promotes genetic instability.
• D. It ensures all genes are expressed at all times.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of gene regulation: Gene regulation refers to the mechanisms that control the expression of genes, ensuring that specific genes are turned on or off depending on the cell's needs.
2. Identify the benefits of gene regulation: Gene regulation allows cells to conserve energy by producing only the proteins that are necessary at a given time, rather than synthesizing all possible proteins indiscriminately.
3. Recognize the role of gene regulation in responding to environmental changes: Cells can adapt to changes in their environment by regulating gene expression, enabling them to produce proteins that are required for survival under specific conditions.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: For example, 'It prevents the synthesis of any proteins in the cell' is incorrect because cells need proteins to function, and 'It ensures all genes are expressed at all times' is incorrect because not all genes are needed simultaneously.
5. Select the correct answer: The correct description of the benefits of gene regulation is 'It allows cells to conserve energy and respond to environmental changes.' This aligns with the biological purpose of gene regulation.