The given question is incomplete. The complete question is:
Albinism is a genetic mutation that results in some animals being born without the enzyme that produces the pigment for skin and eye color. All BUT one statement is a possible explanation for this mutation. Which is NOT an explanation?
A) A DNA base in the gene for the enzyme was removed. B) A DNA base in the gene for the enzyme was substituted. C) The wrong mRNA code caused the wrong protein to form. D) The organism gained an extra chromosome because of a non-disjunction.
Answer:
D) The organism gained an extra chromosome because of a non-disjunction.
Explanation:
Albinism is a genetic disorder and is caused by a genetic mutation. A mutation that changes one or more bases in the gene is called substitution mutation. A substitution mutation in the gene for pigment production may result in the synthesis of non-functional or less functional pigments and thereby causing albinism.
Similarly, the deletion of one or more bases from the gene for pigment production would also result in the synthesis of a faulty protein. Incorporation of wrong amino acids in the protein by misreading the mRNA codon would result in the production of faulty pigment molecules.
However, a mutation that adds one extra chromosome to the genome of the organism due to non-disjunction of chromosomes during anaphase would not affect the gene for the pigment and thereby cannot cause albinism.
