The most important feature that permits a gene to act as a molecular clock is ________.
A) a large number of base pairs
B) being acted upon by natural selection
C) a reliable average rate of mutation
D) a recent origin by a gene-duplication event

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A reliable average rate of mutation allows a gene to accumulate mutations over time, providing a measure of evolutionary divergence between species. This allows the gene to act as a molecular clock. The number of base pairs or a recent origin by a gene-duplication event may not necessarily be important for a gene to act as a molecular clock. Natural selection may affect the evolution of a gene, but it does not directly pertain to its ability to serve as a molecular clock.

The Most Important Feature That Permits a Gene to Act