Question

A normal spontaneous rate for a single gene is one mutation in every .......... replications.

• A. ${10}^3$ to ${10}^5$
• B. ${10}^5$ to ${10}^7$
• C. ${10}^6$ to ${10}^9$
• D. ${10}^7$ to ${10}^8$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

${10}^6$ to ${10}^9$

• The mutation rate refers to the frequency of new mutation in a single gene or organism over a period of time. It is difficult to determine the mutation rate.
• Mutation rates differ from one gene to other within an organism and other organisms. Generally, the mutation rates in bacteria are about one hundred million genes per generation. In mice, the rate is about one mutation per ten thousand genes per generation. In humans, the mutation rate is roughly one mutation per ten thousand genes per generation.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.