The mitochondrial DNA sequence that is shared by two species has a steady mutation rate. Scientists determine the sequences of these two species to be as follows

Species A: CAGGCCATTATG
Species B: CCAGCCTATAGG

Based on this information, which of the following best explains the difference in the DNA sequence between the two species?

A) Species A and B probably share the most recent ancestor because they only differ by three mutations.

B) Species A and B have fewer differences between DNA sequences means that fewer mutations occurred.

C) Species A and B probably have distinct ancestors because they have many differences in mutations.

D) Species A and B are closely related because they differ by five mutations in their DNA sequence.

Respuesta :

It is expected that Species A and B have distinct ancestors because they have many differences in mutations (Option C).

What is the mutation rate?

The mutation rate makes reference to the number of mutations that appeared in a given nucleotide sequence in a given period of time.

In this case, sequences from Species A and B have 5 mutations and aligned sequences have only 12 nucleotides, which is a considerably high mutation rate to share a common origin.

Nonetheless, information about divergence times might be helpful to determine the origin of these sequences.

In conclusion, nucleotide sequences of Species A and B exhibit many mutations and therefore they do not have the same evolutionary origin (Option C).

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