A former protein-coding gene that no longer performs any useful function will accumulate how many mutations relative to a gene that encodes a protein that is functionally important?
A)more mutations
B)fewer mutations
C)about the same number of mutations
D)None of the answer options is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A former protein-coding gene that no longer performs any useful function is subject to relaxed selection and can accumulate mutations without any negative consequences. In contrast, a gene that encodes a protein that is functionally important will be under stronger selective pressure to maintain its function and will accumulate fewer mutations.

A Former Protein-Coding Gene That No Longer Performs Any Useful