Question

review the passage about the effects of the fgfr1a1 gene mutation.
common carp are a type of fish that have scales on their bodies. the pattern of scales on a common carp is established while the fish is developing inside its egg. during this time, a protein called fgfr1a1 sends signals to the fish’s body that direct the shape and spacing of the fish’s scales. the signals from the fgfr1a1 protein result in common carp with small, evenly spaced scales.
the fgfr1a1 protein is encoded by the fgfr1a1 gene.
a certain carp had large, patchy scales because of a mutation in the fgfr1a1 gene. compared to the fgfr1a1 gene without a mutation, the mutated fgfr1a1 gene encoded a form of the fgfr1a1 protein with a different structure.
this different form of the fgfr1a1 protein could not send signals to the fish’s body.
complete the sentence.
the mutation caused the fgfr1a1 gene to encode a form of the fgfr1a1 protein that could not send signals to the fish’s body, so the common carp had ______ scales
large, patchy
small, even

Explanation:

The passage states that the normal Fgfr1a1 protein sends signals for small, evenly - spaced scales. A mutation caused the protein to not send signals, and it is mentioned that a carp with a mutation had large, patchy scales.

Answer:

large, patchy