In the experiment performed by Benzer for intragenic mapping which of the following is the most critical control?
A) Perform the experiment with each different virus alone to determine the rate of reversion mutation
B) Re-type the strain of E. coli
C) Test the agar to make sure it can support E. coli and viral growth
D) Perform at least five dilutions to make sure the dilutions were performed correctly

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most critical control in this experiment would be to determine the rate of reversion mutation for each different virus alone. This is important because the experiment relies on the assumption that the spontaneous mutations are random and occur at a constant rate. By measuring the rate of reversion mutation for each virus alone, Benzer can ensure that any differences he observes in the intragenic mapping experiment are actually due to differences in the genetic material and not due to different rates of mutation.

In the Experiment Performed by Benzer for Intragenic Mapping Which