Recessive mutations in prokaryotes exert their effects immediately because prokaryotes are effectively _______.Mutations can move quickly through populations of prokaryotes by _______ and _______ of the mutated cell.
A) haploid; lateral gene transfer; binary fission
B) diploid; transformation; mitosis
C) haploid; transduction; binary fission
D) diploid; conjugation; meiosis
E) haploid; lateral gene transfer; mitosis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes are haploid, meaning they only have one copy of each chromosome. Recessive mutations in prokaryotes are immediately expressed because there is no functional copy of the gene to mask the effects of the mutated gene. Additionally, prokaryotes can transfer genetic material laterally through processes such as conjugation, transformation, and transduction. Binary fission, not mitosis, is the process by which prokaryotes reproduce, further allowing mutations to quickly spread through populations.

Recessive Mutations in Prokaryotes Exert Their Effects Immediately Because Prokaryotes