After screening a colony of bacteria for mutations in a given gene, you discover 100 mutant colonies out of 3 million total colonies. What is the mutation frequency for this gene in the population?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To calculate mutation frequency, we use the following formula:
Mutation frequency = (number of mutants / total number of cells) x 10^6

Number of mutants = 100
Total number of colonies = 3 million = 3 x 10^6

Mutation frequency = (100/3x10^6) x 10^6 = 3.3 x 10^-5 
Therefore, the mutation frequency for this gene is 3.3 x 10^-5. 
The closest answer choice is D, which is 3.3 x 10^-5 represented in scientific notation.

After Screening a Colony of Bacteria for Mutations in a Given