Multiple Choice
What is the term used to describe errors that occur in the DNA sequence?
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17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination
Types of Mutations
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Which of the following best describes a point mutation?
A
An inversion of a large segment of a chromosome
B
A deletion of an entire gene from the chromosome
C
A duplication of a whole chromosome
D
A change in a single nucleotide base in the DNA sequence
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that a point mutation refers to a change affecting a very small part of the DNA sequence, specifically at the level of individual nucleotides.
Recall that DNA is composed of nucleotide bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine), and mutations can alter these bases in various ways.
Recognize that large-scale changes such as inversions, deletions of entire genes, or duplications of whole chromosomes involve many nucleotides and are not considered point mutations.
Identify that a point mutation specifically involves the substitution, insertion, or deletion of a single nucleotide base in the DNA sequence.
Conclude that among the options given, the description 'a change in a single nucleotide base in the DNA sequence' best fits the definition of a point mutation.
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