Question

A group of scientists determines that a mitochondrial DNA sequence shared by two species has a constant mutation rate. The sequences of mitochondrial DNA for the two species are shown below.

Species A: GACTGGGCATTA
Species B: GACCGGACATGA

Using the principles of molecular clocks and a known mutation rate for this sequence, the scientists determine that these species diverged from a common ancestor 30 million years ago. Based on this information, how much longer do you predict it would take these species to differ by a total of seven base pairs?

Answer 1

60 million years

20 million years

140 m

Answer 2

I am using the correct formula and I keep getting 70 million coming in at a 40 million difference.........?

Answer 3

Molecular Clocks,

years of evolution = mutations in base pairs times rate

30 = 3 times x
30/3 = 10

so, i multiplied seven times the rate of 10 and I got 70 million but its not even an answer choice. I HATE FLVS

Answer 4

And the third answer choice is 80 million

Answer 5

@shrutipande9 got anything? or is it a glitch

Answer 6

see they have 3 mutations..correct...and 30 billion years ago the DNA was same and then they diverged....so approx
ohh yes u r doing the same thing..yes u r right according to me

Answer 7

is d dna sequence given correct?

Answer 8

ok thanks and yes this is the exact question on my exam I'll need to contact a teacher. thanks for confirming that