Without external forces, the third generation of a bacterium and the original parent cell will have approximately ________ matching DNA sequences.(1 point)
Responses
100%
100%
25%
25%
12.5%
12.5%
33%
100%
The correct answer is 100%.
In order to determine the percentage of matching DNA sequences between the third generation of a bacterium and the original parent cell, we need to understand how DNA is inherited.
During the process of DNA replication, the parent cell's DNA is copied to produce two identical daughter cells. However, there is a possibility of errors occurring during replication, leading to slight differences in the DNA sequence. These errors are known as mutations.
In bacteria, which reproduce asexually, each generation is essentially a direct copy of the previous generation, with no recombination or mixing of genetic material from different individuals. Therefore, the DNA sequences of the third generation and the original parent cell will be very similar but not identical.
To determine the percentage of matching DNA sequences, we can estimate the frequency of mutations that occur during DNA replication. Although mutations can be unpredictable, it is generally assumed that they occur at a relatively low rate.
In this context, the answer "100%" would not be accurate because it suggests that there are no mutations and the DNA sequences are completely identical. The answer "25%" also does not accurately reflect the situation since it implies a quarter of the DNA sequences are different, which is unlikely given the low mutation rate.
The correct answer is "100%". This means that without external forces, the third generation of a bacterium and the original parent cell will have approximately matching DNA sequences. However, it's important to note that there may still be a few mutations present due to the low rate of errors during DNA replication. These mutations typically occur randomly and are not significant enough to result in substantial differences between the two generations of bacteria.