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%

12.5%
12.5%

33%
33%

25%
25%
Without external forces, the third generation of a bacterium and the original parent cell will have approximately 100% matching DNA sequences.
To determine the percentage of matching DNA sequences between the third generation of a bacterium and the original parent cell, you need to consider the process of DNA replication and the accumulation of mutations.
During DNA replication, errors such as mutations can occur, leading to changes in the DNA sequence. These mutations can accumulate over generations, resulting in differences between the DNA of the parent cell and subsequent generations.
In bacteria, DNA replication occurs through a process called binary fission. Each time a bacterium divides, its DNA is replicated, and the two resulting daughter cells receive copies of the parent cell's DNA.
Assuming there are no external forces and no mutations, the DNA sequences of the parent cell and the initial clone in the first generation will be identical. However, as the cells continue to divide, mutations can occur.
Each subsequent generation will likely have accumulated more mutations, leading to differences in their DNA sequences compared to the parent cell. Therefore, the percentage of matching DNA between the third generation and the parent cell will be less than 100%.
Based on the given options, the closest answer is 25%. This percentage suggests that, on average, 25% of the DNA sequences in the third generation will match the DNA sequences of the original parent cell.