Which statement best explains how genetic mutations produce genetic variation?(1 point)

Question

Responses

A strand of DNA is translated into RNA and a codon is skipped. The protein resulting from the RNA strand is expressed as a new trait.
A strand of DNA is translated into RNA and a codon is skipped. The protein resulting from the RNA strand is expressed as a new trait. - no response given

A male and a female with different alleles reproduce to make offspring that have a new combination of genotypes and phenotypes.
A male and a female with different alleles reproduce to make offspring that have a new combination of genotypes and phenotypes. - incorrect

A cell divides twice, forming four gametes, each with unique characteristics due to crossing over and independent assortment.
A cell divides twice, forming four gametes, each with unique characteristics due to crossing over and independent assortment. - no response given

A population of individuals is hunted to the brink of extinction. The remaining individuals reproduce, and their limited genetics are passed on to the subsequent generations.

Answer 1

The statement that best explains how genetic mutations produce genetic variation is:

"A strand of DNA is translated into RNA and a codon is skipped. The protein resulting from the RNA strand is expressed as a new trait."

Genetic mutations, such as skipping a codon during translation, can lead to a change in the resulting protein, potentially creating new traits in an organism. This process is a direct example of how mutations can introduce variation at the molecular level, affecting phenotype and contributing to genetic diversity.

The other options describe processes like recombination or population bottlenecking, which involve genetic variation but do not specifically address how mutations introduce new genetic variation.