Question

Ultraviolet light can cause mutations and other damage within cells, which can hurt an individual's chance of surviving and leaving offspring. Some molecules can protect cells from damage by UV. The amount of these molecules is determined by genes. Within a

population, some individuals make more of these UV- protection molecules than others. What do you predict would happen to the frequency of the genes that cause more of the molecules to be made in a population over time? Assume all other factors are equal.

1. The frequency would increase because individuals need the genes.
2. The frequency would increase because individuals with the genes for more molecules would
leave more offspring.
3. The frequency would decrease because molecules are types of chemicals, and having more chemicals in the body is harmful.
4. The frequency would stay the same because populations do not change over time.

Answer 1

2. The frequency would increase because individuals with the genes for more molecules would leave more offspring.

Step-by-step explanation:

The individuals with the genes for more molecules (A) will be more successful than the individuals with genes for less molecules (B), because the frequencies of (B) trend to 0 due to this group have individuals with fewer chances of leaving an offspring because they are more susceptible to UV ray's damages.