When it acts upon a gene, which of the following processes consequently makes that gene an accurate molecular clock?

When it acts upon a gene, which of the following processes consequently makes that gene an accurate molecular clock? 

A) transcription
B) directional natural selection
C) mutation
D) proofreading
E) reverse transcription





Answer: C

Neutral theory proposes that

Neutral theory proposes that 

A) molecular clocks are more reliable when the surrounding pH is close to 7.0.
B) most mutations of highly conserved DNA sequences should have no functional effect.
C) DNA is less susceptible to mutation when it codes for amino acid sequences whose side groups (or R groups) have a neutral pH.
D) DNA is less susceptible to mutation when it codes for amino acid sequences whose side groups (or R groups) have a neutral electrical charge.
E) a significant proportion of mutations are not acted upon by natural selection.






Answer: E

The most important feature that permits a gene to act as a molecular clock is

The most important feature that permits a gene to act as a molecular clock is 

A) having a large number of base pairs.
B) having a larger proportion of exonic DNA than of intronic DNA.
C) having a reliable average rate of mutation.
D) its recent origin by a gene-duplication event.
E) its being acted upon by natural selection.






Answer: C

Paralogous genes that have lost the function of coding for any functional gene product are known as "pseudogenes." Which of these is a valid prediction regarding the fate of pseudogenes over evolutionary time?

Paralogous genes that have lost the function of coding for any functional gene product are known as "pseudogenes." Which of these is a valid prediction regarding the fate of pseudogenes over evolutionary time? 

A) They will be preserved by natural selection.
B) They will be highly conserved.
C) They will ultimately regain their original function.
D) They will be transformed into orthologous genes.
E) They will have relatively high mutation rates.







Answer: E