The average synonymous substitution rate in mammalian mitochondrial genes is ________ the average rate for nuclear genes.
A)2 times
B)5 times
C)10 times
D)50 times
E)100 times

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the average synonymous substitution rate in mammalian mitochondrial genes is about 10 times higher than the average rate for nuclear genes. This is thought to be due to the high mutation rate and lack of efficient DNA repair mechanisms in mitochondria.

The Average Synonymous Substitution Rate in Mammalian Mitochondrial Genes Is