Multiple choice

Which one of the following is a genetically significant mutation?

  1. Somatic mutation

  2. Translocation mutation

  3. Substitution mutation

  4. Inversion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The question is poorly framed as all mutation types can be genetically significant depending on context. However, the intended answer is likely substitution (point mutation) as it directly alters gene sequences at the molecular level. Somatic mutations (A) are not heritable; translocation (B) and inversion (D) are chromosomal-level changes. Substitution mutations can change protein function and are heritable if they occur in germ cells, making them 'genetically significant' in evolutionary terms.

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