Harmful mutations occur in both diploid and haploid organisms. Which of the following statements about the abundance of harmful mutations in diploid and haploid organisms is accurate?
A) There are more harmful mutations in populations of diploids than in populations of haploids, because the mutations are protected from selection in diploid heterozygotes.
B) There are more harmful mutations in populations of diploids than in populations of haploids, because the mutations are protected from selection in diploid homozygotes.
C) There are more harmful mutations in populations of haploids than in populations of diploids, because the mutations are protected from selection in haploid heterozygotes.
D) There are more harmful mutations in populations of haploids than in populations of diploids, because the mutations are protected from selection in haploid homozygotes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Harmful mutations can be masked in diploid organisms when present in a heterozygous state, allowing them to persist in the population without being directly exposed to natural selection. This mechanism does not apply to haploid organisms, where every mutation is immediately exposed to selection.

Harmful Mutations Occur in Both Diploid and Haploid Organisms