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Edexcel IGCSE Biology 3.34 Mutation

Practise defining mutation, comparing mutation rates in mitosis and meiosis, and using data to explain rates per division per cell.

Syllabus
First assessment 2019
Course
Biology 4BI1

Exam points

  • state mutation as a rare, random change in DNA, a gene or genetic material
  • calculate a mean mutation rate from data and keep the unit per division per cell
  • compare mitosis and meiosis mutation rates and link differences to number of divisions

3.34 Mutation question 1

[Maximum number: 6]

Mutation can cause changes in the enzymes produced during protein synthesis.

Question (a)

(a)

State what is meant by the term mutation.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Scientists investigate the rate of spontaneous mutations in yeast.

They record the number of mutations per cell during mitosis and during meiosis.
They count the mutations in three different strains of yeast and repeat each count.

The mutation rates are counted per division per cell.

Table for Question (b) — Edexcel IGCSE Biology
[ 5 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Suggest why the mutation is calculated per division per cell rather than just per cell.

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Comment on the differences in rates of mutation for mitosis and meiosis in the different yeast strains.

[ 4 ]
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