Question

Assertion : Bacteria produced as a result of asexual reproduction would be similar. Reason (R): There would be only minor differences between the bacteria generated due to small inaccuracies in DNA replication.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

Asexual reproduction → Similar offspring. Minor DNA errors → Small variations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To address the given question, we need to evaluate the truth values of the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) and their interconnection.

Assertion (A): Bacteria produced as a result of asexual reproduction would be similar.

Bacteria often reproduce asexually through binary fission, a process where a single bacterium divides into two identical daughter cells. Since the offspring arise from a single parent without genetic exchange, they are generally identical to the parent, following the principle of asexual reproduction leading to genetically similar progeny. Therefore, the assertion is true.

Reason (R): There would be only minor differences between the bacteria generated due to small inaccuracies in DNA replication.

During the DNA replication process, errors can occur, albeit rarely, leading to minor mutations. These replication errors introduce slight genetic variations among the otherwise identical offspring. Since these differences are generally minor, the offspring remain largely similar. Consequently, the reason is also true.

Now, let's analyze the relationship between the Assertion and the Reason:

The Reason (R) provides an explanation for why the Assertion (A) is true. It explains that while asexual reproduction typically results in identical bacteria, any variance observed is a result of minor inaccuracies during DNA replication. Since Reason (R) appropriately explains the Assertion (A), both are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).

Conclusion: The correct answer is:
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).