Question

question 12
which of the following statements is true?
specific mutations occur because they are needed.
mutations only occur during development.
all mutations are harmful.
gametes fuse without regard to which mutations they carry.

Explanation:

• Mutations are random events. They do not occur because they are "needed" (organisms do not direct - mutate to fit a need).
• Mutations can occur at any time, not just during development (e.g., they can occur in adult cells due to environmental factors like radiation).
• Not all mutations are harmful. Some mutations are neutral (have no effect on the organism's phenotype) and some can be beneficial (e.g., a mutation that confers resistance to a disease - causing agent).
• Gametes (sperm and egg cells) fuse randomly. The process of fertilization does not select for or against specific mutations in the gametes.

Answer:

Gametes fuse without regard to which mutations they carry.