AP BIOLOGY

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THE MOLECULAR BASIS OF INHERITANCE

GENE MUTATION

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Over many generations, mutations have occurred to the harmless California king snake that have caused it to resemble the poisonous western coral snake. Analyze the impact of this mutation on the organism.
A
The mutation is most likely beneficial.
B
The mutation is most likely harmful.
C
The mutation is most likely neutral.
D
The mutation is not passed down from parent to offspring.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Mutations in somatic cells are called somatic mutations. Because they do not occur in cells that give rise to gametes, the mutation is not passed along to the next generation by sexual means.

Detailed explanation-2: -Harmful mutations may cause genetic disorders or cancer. A genetic disorder is a disease caused by a mutation in one or a few genes. A human example is cystic fibrosis. A mutation in a single gene causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and blocks ducts in digestive organs.

Detailed explanation-3: -Mutational effects can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral, depending on their context or location. Most non-neutral mutations are deleterious. In general, the more base pairs that are affected by a mutation, the larger the effect of the mutation, and the larger the mutation’s probability of being deleterious.

Detailed explanation-4: -Detrimental effect Some mutations harm an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce. For example, in humans, Marfan syndrome is caused by a mutation affecting a protein that forms part of connective tissue, leading to heart problems and other health challenges.

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