Question

Which of the following is NOT true regarding the mutagenic nature of transposition?

a. Transposition can cause mutations by disrupting genes or regulatory elements.
b. Transposition always results in beneficial genetic changes.
c. Transposons can insert themselves into coding regions of genes.
d. Transposition can lead to genetic variability within a population.

Answer 1

The false statement about the mutagenic nature of transposition is that it always results in beneficial genetic changes, which is not true because it can also cause harmful or neutral effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is NOT true regarding the mutagenic nature of transposition is: Transposition always results in beneficial genetic changes. This is incorrect because transposition can also cause harmful mutations or have neutral effects. Transposons, also known as jumping genes, can insert themselves into coding regions, disrupting genes or regulatory elements, which can lead to mutations (such as the disruption of gene B illustrated in Figure 11.31). Transposition can indeed lead to genetic variability within a population, often contributing to genetic diversity, as mutations may be beneficial, harmful, or neutral. However, not all mutations brought on by transposition are beneficial; some can be detrimental or simply have no significant effect on the organism.