You compare two strands of mtDNA and discover that there are 3 differences in base pairs between them. Assuming that the mutation rate for the species that you are examining is 1 mutation every 20,000 years, how long ago did the two strands share a common ancestor? Write your answer in xxx,xxx format. These two strands shared a common ancestor _____________ years ago.
Nucleotides
It is an organic molecule made up of three basic components- a nitrogenous base, phosphate,and pentose sugar. The nucleotides are important for metabolic reactions andthe formation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules present in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and viruses. They carry the genetic information for the synthesis of proteins and cellular replication. The nucleic acids are of two types: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The structure of all proteins and ultimately every biomolecule and cellular component is a product of information encoded in the sequence of nucleic acids. Parts of a DNA molecule containing the information needed to synthesize a protein or an RNA are genes. Nucleic acids can store and transmit genetic information from one generation to the next, fundamental to any life form.
You compare two strands of mtDNA and discover that there are 3 differences in base pairs between them. Assuming that the mutation rate for the species that you are examining is 1 mutation every 20,000 years, how long ago did the two strands share a common ancestor? Write your answer in xxx,xxx format.
These two strands shared a common ancestor _____________ years ago.
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