Which Statement Best Describes Mutations?

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Based On Scientific Research, Which Statement Best Describes Mutations?

A) Mutations always lead to diseases and are harmful.

B) Mutations are changes in DNA that can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.

C) Mutations only occur during adulthood due to environmental factors.

D) Mutations are intentional changes in DNA caused by the organism.

Correct Answer: B)

Mutations are changes in DNA that can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.

Explanation

Mutations are randomly occurring changes in gene sequences. According to the scientific research, this mutation can occur during the DNA replication process or external factors like radiation. However, the end result of these changes is random and can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.

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Why not the other options?

A) Mutations always lead to diseases and are harmful: This is a big misconception about mutations. They are not always harmful or lead to diseases, as they can be neutral or beneficial too.

C) Mutations only occur during adulthood due to environmental factors: Mutations can occur at any time during cell division and are not limited to just adulthood. They are also not limited by environmental factors.

D) Mutations are intentional changes in DNA caused by the organism: Mutations are not intentional changes, as they occur randomly and are not caused by the organism itself.

Questions for additional Info About Mutation

Q1. What are the main types of mutations?

Mutations are generally categorized into a few types, including point mutations showing single-nucleotide variations. Then there are insertions, deletions, and duplications that add, remove, or duplicate DNA segments, respectively.

Q2. How does the sickle cell mutation affect people?

The sickle cell mutation alters the shape of red blood cells, causing health problems like pain and anemia. However, it also provides additional defence against diseases like Malaria. This makes it an example of mixed mutations.

Q3. Why is lactose tolerance considered a beneficial mutation?

Lactose is a type of sugar naturally found in milk and related products. In the dairy-focused cultures, people have adapted to easily digest it and absorb more nutrients. That ended up as a big adaptation and hence is considered a beneficial mutation.

Q4. Is color blindness always inherited?

No, color blindness is not always inherited as the mutation is carried through the X chromosome. Since Females have two X chromosomes, they have a high chance of not inheriting it, while for males, it's almost confirmed. Other than this, some eye strain, brain issues, and even medications can result in color blindness.

Q5. How are mutations and adaptations related?

Mutation and adaptation both stem from the same building blocks. Mutation provides the genetic material–the raw material for adaptations. If the mutation seems advantageous, then it leads to adaptations through generations.

Q6. Can an adaptation exist without mutation?

No. All adaptations originate from mutations. If the mutation seems advantageous to survival or reproduction, then it can lead to adaptations over the course of several generations.