What enzyme's production is directly correlated with the color of butterfly wings?

• A. Oxidase
• B. Ligase
• C. Pigment-synthesizing enzyme
• D. Amylase

Answer: (C)

The production of pigment-synthesizing enzymes is directly correlated with the color of butterfly wings because these enzymes are responsible for the biosynthesis of pigments that give butterflies their vibrant colors. In many butterflies, the colors and patterns on their wings are due to the specific types of pigments produced by these enzymes. For example, melanins are responsible for black and brown colors, while xanthoids and cyanins contribute to yellow, red, and blue hues. Thus, the levels and types of pigment-synthesizing enzymes expressed can influence the appearance of the wings significantly.

In contrast, the other enzymes mentioned play different roles. Oxidase enzymes are involved in oxidation-reduction reactions and are not directly related to pigment production. Ligase enzymes are primarily involved in joining two molecules together, often in the context of DNA replication and repair, which does not pertain to wing coloration. Amylase specializes in the breakdown of starches into sugars and also has no connection to the pigmentation of butterfly wings. Understanding these distinctions highlights why pigment-synthesizing enzymes are key to the coloration observed in butterfly wings.