A deletion of 3 bases near the center of a gene is most likely to have a harmful effect on an organism. Hence the correct option is d.
A deletion of three bases near the center of a gene is likely to have a harmful effect on an organism due to its potential to disrupt the reading frame during translation. The genetic code is read in triplets, and the deletion of three bases can result in a frameshift mutation, causing a shift in the grouping of codons. This alteration often leads to the misinterpretation of the genetic instructions, resulting in the production of a nonfunctional or altered protein.
Since proteins play essential roles in various cellular processes, any disruption to their structure can have detrimental effects on the organism's functioning, potentially leading to impaired biological processes or the manifestation of genetic disorders. Therefore, the deletion of bases within a gene is a type of mutation that is more likely to be harmful, as it can significantly impact the functional integrity of the encoded protein. Hence the correct option is d.