The average mutation rate for DNA replication is 1 mutation for every 10 billion (10,000,000,000) nucleotides of DNA replicated. Yet DNA polymerase makes a mistake during replication at an average of 1 in 100,000 nucleotides. What does this say about DNA replication?
A) Most errors in DNA replication become mutations.
B) The base pairing rules (A pairs with T and G pairs with C) prevent any mutations.
C) Cells are extraordinarily proficient at repairing errors made during DNA replication.
D) No errors in DNA replication become mutations
E) All errors in DNA replication become mutations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cells have highly efficient repair mechanisms that correct most of the errors made by DNA polymerase during replication, reducing the mutation rate from 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 10 billion nucleotides.

The Average Mutation Rate for DNA Replication Is 1 Mutation