Final answer:
Spontaneous deamination of cytosine can result in G-T mismatches during DNA replication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Spontaneous deamination is a process in which cytosine, one of the bases in DNA, is converted to uracil. This conversion can result in the formation of G-T mismatches during replication. Let's break it down step by step:
- Spontaneous deamination of cytosine occurs, converting it to uracil.
- During DNA replication, the uracil in the template strand pairs with adenine (instead of guanine as it normally does).
- In the new complementary strand, the adenine is replaced with thymine, resulting in a G-T base pair.
Therefore, G-T mismatches commonly result from the spontaneous deamination of cytosine.