Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic variation. However, they usually occur at very low frequency. Assume a mutation resulting in a novel allele occurs in a gene of one individual in a population of 500 diploid individuals. The allele has no effect on the fitness of the individual carrying the mutation. How long will it take for the allele to reach a frequency of 0.5 in the population?
A)It cannot reach a frequency of 0.5. It will eventually reach a frequency of 0.33 because the mutation means that there are three alleles at this locus in the population.
B)It will eventually reach a frequency of 0.5, but a frequency of 0.5 will depend on the generation time for the individuals in the population.
C)It could eventually reach a frequency of 0.5 or be fixed or lost from the population, but that will be a random effect based on the population and its size.
D)It can only reach a frequency of 0.5 if it somehow confers a selective advantage on the individual with the mutation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fate of the mutation depends on multiple factors such as the population size, genetic drift, and selection. It is possible for the mutation to eventually reach a frequency of 0.5, become fixed, or be lost from the population due to random events. The timeline for this process cannot be determined without additional information.

Mutations Are the Ultimate Source of Genetic Variation