True or false: a selective force (such as antibiotics) must be present for dna mutations to occur. g

The statement “A selective force (such as antibiotics) must be present for DNA mutations to occur is FALSE. Mutations occur randomly.

Further Explanation:

A mutation is any aberration in the DNA makeup either due to incorrect replication or due to other external factors such as, exposure to UV radiations or cigarette smoking. The mutations can cause the formation of different proteins which can prove to be beneficial or disastrous.

Mutations can be of two types:

• Point mutation: Only one or few nucleotide base changes by the phenomena of insertion or deletion.

• Frame shift mutation: The deletion or insertion of one nucleotide base occurs which changes the reading frame entirely and thus, unnatural protein are synthesized by the entire strand.

This can be explained by the example of natural selection. During the process of natural selection, the different entities of the population already possess the mutation in their genetic makeup. The natural selection or even the extinction of a specific group of entities occurs only if the mutation in their genetic makeup is not favorable. Those who fit in the changing atmosphere and conditions already contain the mutation that are beneficial for their survival.

Thus, there is no need of any selective force to cause mutation. Rather, mutations occur randomly and this mutation helps in the natural selection.

Learn more:

1. Learn more about types of mutation:

2. Learn more about synthesis of protein:

3. Learn more about genetic code:

Answer Details:

Grade: High School

Subject: Biology

Chapter: Genetics

Keywords:

Antibiotics, selective force, mutation, replication, external factors, UV radiations, cigarette smoking, point mutation, frame shift mutation, nucleotide, unnatural protein, insertion, deletion, genetic makeup, natural selection.

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