Question

The major cause of evolution of genes and protein is

• A. Point mutation
• B. Chromosomal aberration
• C. Sexual reproduction
• D. Gene duplication and divergence

Answer 1

The correct option is A Point mutation

Point mutation refers to the single nucleotide change in genes or single amino acid change in proteins. These changes lead to variability in population and ultimately leads to evolution. Meiosis during sexual reproduction produces new combination of already existing alleles and genes through crossing over but does not creates any new alleles. Gene duplication and divergences are rare events as compared to point mutation. Chromosomal aberrations will bring changes in entire chromosome, not individual genes and / or proteins.