Question

How do mutations lead to genetic variation?
A.
by changing the organism's behavior
B.
by changing the way that the organism reproduces
C.
by producing random changes in an organism's genetic code
D.
by changing the organism's appearance

Answer 1

The correct option is (c).

• The mutation is a change in genetic material DNA and a change in structure and number of chromosomes.
• Translocation, deletion, duplication and insertion all lead to mutation.
• The mutation is induced by both physical and chemical processes.
• The chemical mutation is induced by azides while physical mutation is induced by X rays, gamma rays and UV lights.

Answer 2

• The correct option is C
• Mutation can be explained as a sudden change in the sequence of DNA which can occur due to errors in cell division, exposure to radiation such as X-rays etc.
• Mutations can be divided into many types such as point mutations in which a single base is replaced by another base.
• Another type of mutation is frameshift mutation in which a base is added or deleted from the DNA sequence causing a shift in the frame of codons that were being translated.
• Most of the mutations are harmless but some mutations can cause very serious diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia etc.