The salivary amylase gene (AMY1) is present in two diploid copies in chimpanzees. Humans are known to have between 6-15 copies, an adaptation that is thought to be related to the high-starch diet of humans. This difference among humans is an example of
A) G banding.
B) copy number variation.
C) a simple translocation.
D) a reciprocal translocation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of 6-15 copies of AMY1 in humans is an example of copy number variation, which refers to the differences in the number of copies of a particular gene among individuals or populations.

The Salivary Amylase Gene (AMY1) Is Present in Two Diploid