Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (i): Aedes aegypti contains no anti-coagulant and the blood clots in the stomach within 15 minutes of feeding.
Statement (ii): Aedes aegypti contains an anti-coagulant which prevents the blood clots in the stomach within 15 minutes of feeding.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (i) and Statement (ii) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (i) and Statement (ii) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (i) is correct but Statement (ii) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (i) is incorrect but Statement (ii) is correct.

Hint:

Mosquito anti-coagulants are medically significant - they are being studied for potential cardiovascular applications.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Blood-feeding insects must prevent clotting to feed and digest efficiently.
Step 2: Aedes aegypti saliva contains anticoagulant compounds such as apyrase for this purpose.
Step 3: This rules out Statement (i) and confirms Statement (ii).
Step 4: The correct answer is Statement (i) incorrect, Statement (ii) correct.