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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #51270 Multiple Mutations
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
In  a  point  mutation,  a  single  letter  of  the  genetic  code  changes  to  another  letter.  When  a  protein  gets  made  from  that  new  code,  it'll  be    different  from  usual.  But  new  research  finds  that  it  may  be  fairly  common  for    mutations  to  happen  in  DNA  simultaneously.  Which  could  make  big    jumps    ,  without  waiting  for  the  changes  to  accrue  over  generations.  The  work  is  in  the  journal  Current  Biology.  The  researchers  did  close    of  the  genomes  of  organisms  ranging  from  yeast  to  fruit  flies  to  the  plant  Arabidopsis  to  humans.  And  they  concluded  that  about  three  percent  of  all  new  mutations  must  be  multiples.  A  likely  explanation  is  that  some  polymerase  enzyme  is  particularly  prone  to  errors  when  it's  weaving  a  strand  of  DNA.  Here's  why  having  multiples  could  be  a  big  deal.  The  single  mutation-at-a-time  view  would  be  like  hoping  you  hit  the  Pick  4  lottery  by  getting  one  number  a  day  for  four  days.  Sadly,  what  you  really  get  is  four  losing  tickets.  But  multiple  mutations  could  let  you  hit  the  Pick  4  all  at  once.  And  win  the  evolutionary  lottery.

Result:

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Correct answer: slightly

Explanation: The word 'slightly' fits grammatically as it is an adverb modifying the adjective 'different,' indicating a small degree of difference. Contextually, it aligns with the idea that a single letter change in the genetic code results in a minor alteration in the protein produced.

Meaning: 'Slightly' means to a small degree or a little bit, suggesting that the difference in the protein is not significant but still present.

Wrong options:

  • limey: Limey is a slang term that refers to a British person and does not fit contextually or grammatically as it does not describe a degree of difference.
  • ivy: Ivy is a type of plant and does not relate to the context of describing differences in proteins.
  • spryly: Spryly means in a lively or energetic manner, which does not appropriately describe the nature of the difference in the protein.
Correct answer: multiple

Explanation: The word 'multiple' is an adjective that correctly describes the occurrence of more than one mutation happening at the same time. It fits both grammatically and contextually, as the sentence discusses the frequency of mutations in DNA.

Meaning: 'Multiple' means more than one or several, indicating that many mutations can occur simultaneously in DNA.

Wrong options:

  • multinational: Multinational refers to companies or organizations operating in multiple countries, which does not fit the context of genetic mutations.
  • cultural: Cultural relates to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society, which is not relevant to the discussion of mutations in DNA.
  • topical: Topical means related to a particular subject or area, which does not apply to the context of discussing mutations.
Correct answer: evolutionary

Explanation: The word 'evolutionary' is an adjective that fits grammatically and contextually, as it describes significant changes that can occur in the evolutionary process due to mutations. It aligns with the idea of changes in DNA impacting evolution.

Meaning: 'Evolutionary' pertains to the process of evolution, indicating changes that can affect the development of species over time.

Wrong options:

  • unwary: Unwary means not cautious or alert, which does not relate to the context of genetic changes or evolution.
  • prissy: Prissy describes someone who is overly proper or fussy, which is irrelevant to the scientific context of mutations and evolution.
  • wary: Wary means cautious or careful, which does not fit the context of describing the nature of changes in evolution.
Correct answer: possible

Explanation: The word 'possible' is an adjective that fits grammatically and contextually, indicating that the jumps in evolution can occur. It aligns with the idea that simultaneous mutations can lead to significant evolutionary changes.

Meaning: 'Possible' means capable of happening or being done, suggesting that these evolutionary jumps can occur under certain conditions.

Wrong options:

  • international: International refers to something involving multiple countries, which does not fit the context of discussing genetic mutations.
  • impassible: Impassible means unable to be passed or crossed, which does not relate to the context of evolutionary changes.
  • unflappable: Unflappable describes someone who remains calm under pressure, which is not relevant to the discussion of genetic mutations.
Correct answer: immediately

Explanation: The word 'immediately' is an adverb that fits grammatically, modifying the verb 'make' to indicate that the evolutionary jumps can happen right away. It aligns with the context of mutations occurring without delay.

Meaning: 'Immediately' means at once or without delay, suggesting that these changes can happen quickly in the evolutionary process.

Wrong options:

  • remedially: Remedially means in a way that corrects or improves something, which does not fit the context of timing in evolutionary changes.
  • obediently: Obediently means in a manner that shows compliance or submission, which is irrelevant to the context of mutations and evolution.
  • magisterially: Magisterially means in a commanding or authoritative manner, which does not relate to the timing of evolutionary changes.
Correct answer: examinations

Explanation: The word 'examinations' is a noun that fits grammatically as the subject of the sentence, indicating the researchers conducted thorough studies. It aligns with the context of analyzing genomes.

Meaning: 'Examinations' refers to detailed inspections or studies, indicating that the researchers closely analyzed the genomes of various organisms.

Wrong options:

  • navigators: Navigators refer to individuals who guide or direct, which does not fit the context of studying genomes.
  • modulations: Modulations refer to changes or variations, which does not accurately describe the action of studying genomes.
  • wages: Wages refer to payment for work, which is irrelevant to the context of genetic research.

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