Which one of the following is a wrong statement regarding mutations ?
- UV and gamma rays are mutagens
- Deletion and insertion of base pairs cause frame-shift mutations
- Cancer cells commonly show chromosomal aberrations
- Change in a single base pair of DNA does not cause mutation
Answer
(4) Change in a single base pair of DNA does not cause mutation
Solution
As per NCERT, mutation can also arise due to change in a single base pair of DNA; this is known as point mutation (e.g. sickle-cell anaemia).
⇒ The statement that a single base pair change does not cause mutation is wrong.
∵ UV radiation is a mutagen, insertion/deletion of bases causes frame-shift mutations, and chromosomal aberrations are commonly seen in cancer cells, the other statements are correct.
Answer: (4)