Question

Mutations can be induced in bacteria by _______________.

• A. Growing different strains in same culture
• B. Starvation
• C. Providing growth substances
• D. High energy radiations

Answer 1

The correct option is D High energy radiations

Genomes of bacteria exist on a single double-stranded circular DNA molecule that contains approximately 4000 kb of DNA and are regulated by operons. A mutation is a change in the nucleotide sequence and can create new cellular functionalities or lead to the dysfunction of others. Mutations can occur spontaneously or be caused by exposure. Examples of physical mutagens include radiation or UV exposure. UV radiation damages DNA by creating covalent linkages between adjacent pyrimidine bases. This pyrimidine dimer cannot fit well in the double helix structure of DNA and thus inhibiting replication and translation. However, dimer formation usually results in a deletion mutation. Other types of radiation can have a variety of effects (Depending on intensity and wavelength), but mostly insertions/deletions occur. Purine dimers rarely occur.

So, the correct answer is 'High energy radiations'.