Answer :
D) The vast majority of the mutations had a deleterious effect, but some were beneficial.
Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can occur spontaneously or as a result of external factors such as radiation, chemicals, or viruses.
The vast majority of mutations are believed to be deleterious or harmful, as they can disrupt normal cellular functions, lead to diseases, or reduce an organism's fitness in its environment.
For example, a mutation in a gene that codes for an important enzyme or structural protein may cause the protein to be non-functional or malfunctioning, leading to cellular dysfunction or disease.
Similarly, a mutation that alters the regulation of gene expression or cellular signaling pathways may disrupt normal development, homeostasis, or response to environmental stimuli.
However, in rare cases, mutations can also have a beneficial effect on an organism's fitness or survival. This is because mutations can create new genetic variants that may confer advantages in certain environments or situations.
For example, a mutation that enhances an organism's ability to digest a novel food source, resist a pathogen, or adapt to a changing climate may provide a selective advantage and increase the likelihood of survival and reproduction.
In fact, beneficial mutations are believed to be the driving force behind evolution, as they introduce new genetic diversity that can be acted upon by natural selection.
Over time, beneficial mutations can accumulate and become fixed in a population, leading to the emergence of new traits, species, or adaptations.
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