Question

A researcher found that the wild species of almond trees contains a chemical called amygdalin.

This chemical is converted into cyanide inside the human body and can be lethal. The researcher
found that a single gene mutation in some of the wild almond trees resulted in a variety that no
longer produced the chemical amygdalin. This variety of almond is largely harvested for human
consumption. Based on the study, the researcher claimed that some mutations are beneficial in
nature. Was the claim made by the researcher correct? Why or why not?
a) Yes. The mutated variety of almond was edible.
b) No. Not all almond trees produced seeds that were edible.
c) No. The mutation did not affect all varieties of almond trees.
d) Yes. Almond trees with amygdalin grew only in forests.

Answer 1

a) Yes. The mutated variety of almond was edible.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, the claim made by the researcher is considered correct because the mutation removes the amygdalin chemical from the almond so these almonds are now safe for eating. This removal only occur through mutation. Mutation is the sudden change occur in the DNA of cell that leads to different functions occur in the body so we can say that some mutation that is occur in organisms are beneficial.