The Question is from neet-zoology , and it was created by the author BALASOURY

Question

A researcher observes a unicellular organism reproducing asexually.  The daughter cells are genetically identical except for a few minor variations.  Which mechanism is MOST likely responsible for these variations?

BALASOURY · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Mechanisms of genetic variation
 **Related Topics**: Asexual reproduction, mutations, DNA replication, mitosis
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of DNA replication, mutations, and asexual reproduction.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  * Asexual reproduction in a unicellular organism.
  * Daughter cells are genetically identical except for minor variations.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the given information: Asexual reproduction implies that the offspring are genetically similar to the parent.  The presence of minor variations indicates that some changes have occurred during the reproduction process.
  Reasoning:  The question seeks the mechanism that introduces small changes during asexual reproduction.
 2. Consider the options:
  * **A. Crossing over during mitosis:** Crossing over is a process of genetic recombination that occurs during meiosis (sexual reproduction), not mitosis (asexual reproduction).
  * **B. Independent assortment of chromosomes:**  Independent assortment also happens during meiosis, not mitosis. 
  * **C. Random mutations during DNA replication:** Mutations are random changes in the DNA sequence.  These can occur during DNA replication in any type of cell division, including asexual reproduction.  These are the most likely source of minor variations in daughter cells produced asexually.
  * **D. Conjugation with another individual:** Conjugation is a form of genetic exchange that occurs in some prokaryotes, but it is not asexual reproduction and is not directly related to minor variations in daughter cells produced by a single parent cell.
 3. Determine the most likely mechanism:
  Result: Random mutations during DNA replication (option C) is the most probable cause of the minor variations observed in the daughter cells.
  Verification:  Mutations are a known source of genetic variation, and they can occur spontaneously during DNA replication.  This aligns with the observation of minor variations in genetically similar daughter cells produced asexually.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Crossing over is a meiotic process, not mitotic.
B :x: Independent assortment is a meiotic process, not mitotic.
C ✓: Random mutations during DNA replication are a common source of minor genetic variations in asexual reproduction.
D :x: Conjugation involves genetic exchange between two individuals, not the generation of variations within a single individual during asexual reproduction.
## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing mitosis and meiosis:  Remembering that mitosis is asexual reproduction and meiosis is sexual reproduction is crucial.
  2.Overlooking the role of mutations: Mutations are a significant driver of genetic variation, even in asexual reproduction.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Focus on the definition of asexual reproduction and the mechanisms that can introduce variation within it.
  2.Remember that mutations are random and can occur during DNA replication in any cell division.

BALASOURY · Answer

Crossing over during mitosis

BALASOURY · Answer

Independent assortment of chromosomes

BALASOURY · Answer

The correct Option is "Random mutations during DNA replication"

BALASOURY · Answer

Conjugation with another individual

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