KEY FOR QUIZ 1:
MUTATIONS
Topic # 3034
1. What is a mutation?
Sudden change in the characteristics of an organism due to a change in the chemical
structure
2. Choose one of the two useful mutants and discuss how it is beneficial to
agriculture.
Rust resistant wheat
Plant breeders took advantage of this natural mutation and breed it into other wheat
strains
High Protein corn
Plant agronomists and geneticists have continues over the years to always select for the
high protein varieties and have tried to breed them exclusively. This selection for the
variety producing a higher protein is a "man-made" selection rather than one based
solely on "natural selection" for desirable traits.
3. How do mutations occur?
Error in DNA replication
Exposure to radiation
Exposure to certain toxic chemicals
Other genetic abnormalities such as extra chromosomes or chromosomes crossing or
breaking
4. Why are mutations that harm less likely to survive than one that benefit?
Ones that are harmful do not survive to reproduce and those that are beneficial do
survive and can pass the mutation on to their offspring.