Compensatory mutations in genes for noncoding RNAs indicate that:
A) these genes are not important for the function of the organism.
B) the secondary structure of the noncoding RNA is important for its function.
C) the noncoding RNA is not undergoing accelerated evolution.
D) All of the answers are correct.
E) None of the answers is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Compensatory mutations in noncoding RNA genes suggest that the secondary structure of the RNA is important for its function. This is because compensatory mutations are mutations in two locations that specifically interact with one another to maintain the RNA structure. The fact that these compensatory mutations occur indicates that changes to the RNA sequence that disrupt the structure are selectively disadvantageous, suggesting that the structure is important for the RNA's function.

Compensatory Mutations in Genes for Noncoding RNAs Indicate That