Some bacteria may be able to respond to environmental stress by
increasing the rate at which mutations occur during cell division.
Might there be an evolutionary advantage to this ability?
Explain.
A. An increase in the mutation rate was useful for
ancestral forms of bacteria in the constantly changing environment,
but now it cannot be advantageous for species and for their
survival.
B. If the frequency of mutations increases, so does the
probability of adaptations to new conditions. Thus, this species is
more likely to survive.
C. The increase in DNA replication mistakes leads
to failures in bacterial reproduction, thus decreasing the chance
of the species' thriving. This cannot be advantageous.
D. If the frequency of mutations increases, the species
becomes less susceptible to viruses, because the targets of the
viruses also change due to mutations. Thus, this species is more
likely to survive.