What is the probability of a mutation occurring within the protein coding region of the human genome during a single
cell division event? What will be an ideal response?
ANSWER: There are 6.5 x 109 base pairs in a diploid human cell, and only 175 are mutated during any
given cell division. In addition, only 3% of the genome codes for proteins. Assuming that
mutations are random, only 3% of mutations will occur in coding regions: 175 * 0.03 = ˜5. Of
the 6.5 billion base pairs, 5 base pairs represents 7.7 x 10-8% of the genome. Said another
way, the probability of two events happening (assuming the two events are independent) is
the product of the probability of each event. So the probability, P, that a base pair is both
mutated and lies within the coding region = P (base pair is mutated) * P (base pair is in
coding region) = (175/6.5 billion) * (0.03) = 7.7 x 10-8. Therefore, there is a 1 in 1/(7.7 x 10-
8) = 1 in 12,987,013 chance that a base pair in the coding region of the human genome will
be mutated during any single cell division event.
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If an individual has his/her gallbladder removed, he/she is typically put on a low-fat diet. Which of the following would explain this recommendation?
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Provide evidence to both support and refute the current existence of life on Mars? What will be an ideal response?
Consider an analogy between reaction-coupling and money. In a simple economy, barter provides a means of direct exchange of material goods
For example, the owner of a cow may have excess milk and need eggs, whereas a chicken owner has excess eggs and needs milk. Provided that these two people are in close proximity and can communicate, they may exchange or barter eggs for milk. But in a more complex economy, money serves as a mediator for the exchanges of goods or services. For instance, the cow owner with excess milk may not need other goods until three months from now, or may want goods from someone who does not need milk. In this case, the "energy" from providing milk to the economy can be temporarily "stored" as money, which is a form of "energy" used for many transactions in the economy. Using barter and money as analogies, describe two mechanisms that can serve to drive an unfavorable chemical reaction in the cell.