Question

a mutation is found in the sperm of a whale. which of the following statements best describes the effect of the mutation?
the mutation must show physically in the whales daughter
the mutation will only show in the genotype of the whale
the mutation will only affect the whale
the mutation will be found in the whale daughter

question 3
1 pts
a mutation is found in the sperm of a whale. how would you know if the mutation will have a physical effect?
if the amino acid sequence is changed

Explanation:

First Question (Mutation in Whale Sperm)

• Sperm cells are germ cells, so mutations in them can be passed to offspring.
• The first option is wrong as not all mutations are expressed phenotypically.
• The second option is wrong because sperm mutations can be passed, not just in the whale’s genotype.
• The third option is wrong as it can affect offspring.
• The fourth option is correct because sperm contributes genetic material to offspring (daughter), so the mutation can be inherited.

• A mutation's physical effect often relates to protein function. A change in the amino acid sequence (from a mutation) can alter protein structure/function, leading to a physical effect. Other factors like silent mutations (no amino acid change) don't cause physical effects, so checking amino acid sequence change helps determine physical impact.

Answer:

The mutation will be found in the whale daughter

Second Question (Physical Effect of Sperm Mutation)