E.coli cells that have null mutations in the gene encoding adenine methylase will have:
A)a higher spontaneous mutation rate than wild-type E.coli.
B)the same spontaneous mutation rate as wild-type E.coli.
C)a lower spontaneous mutation rate than wild-type E.coli.
D)more double-strand breaks in their DNA than wild-type E.coli.
E)fewer double-strand breaks in their DNA than wild-type E.coli.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adenine methylation is a post-replication modification that aids in proofreading and error correction during DNA replication. Without adenine methylase, the proofreading and error correction mechanisms in E.coli will be impaired, leading to an increased likelihood of spontaneous mutations. Therefore, E.coli cells with null mutations in the gene encoding adenine methylase will have a higher spontaneous mutation rate than wild-type E.coli.

EColi Cells That Have Null Mutations in the Gene Encoding