Question

recap: mutations (updated)
check your understanding! mark any that are correct.
____mutations are random.
____mutations are mostly beneficial and useful for an organism.
____mutations can occur in both dna and rna, which are nucleic acids.
____mutations can only occur during interphase.
____not all genes code for proteins.
____not all genes are \turned on\ at a given time.
____substitution mutations typically result in a frameshift mutation.
____mutations can be genetically inherited.

Explanation:

1. "Mutations are random": Mutations (like point mutations, chromosomal mutations) occur randomly, without a directed purpose for the organism's benefit. Correct.
2. "Mutations are mostly beneficial...": Most mutations are neutral or harmful; only a small fraction are beneficial. Incorrect.
3. "Mutations in DNA and RNA": Both DNA (e.g., in cells) and RNA (e.g., in RNA viruses) can undergo mutations. Correct.
4. "Only during Interphase": Mutations can occur during DNA replication (S - phase of interphase) but also due to external factors (like radiation) at other times, and some mutations in meiosis (not just interphase - related). Incorrect.
5. "Not all genes code for proteins": Some genes code for RNA (tRNA, rRNA) or regulate other genes, not just proteins. Correct.
6. "Not all genes 'turned on'": Gene expression is regulated; different cells/times have different active genes. Correct.
7. "Substitution → frameshift": Substitution (one base replaced) doesn't shift the reading frame; insertions/deletions do. Incorrect.
8. "Mutations can be inherited": Germ - line mutations (in reproductive cells) are passed to offspring. Correct.

Answer:

• Mutations are random: Correct (mark this).
• Mutations are mostly beneficial and useful for an organism: Incorrect (do not mark).
• Mutations can occur in both DNA and RNA, which are nucleic acids: Correct (mark this).
• Mutations can only occur during Interphase: Incorrect (do not mark).
• Not all genes code for proteins: Correct (mark this).
• Not all genes are "turned on" at a given time: Correct (mark this).
• Substitution mutations typically result in a frameshift mutation: Incorrect (do not mark).
• Mutations can be genetically inherited: Correct (mark this).