Chapter 12, Problem 40A

Summary Introduction

To hypothesize:

The way it is possible for bacteria to respond to environmental stress by increasing the rate of mutations during cell division.

Introduction:

A mutation is any change that occurs in a DNA sequence. Mutations occur when there is any mistake while copying DNA during cell division. It also occurs when DNA is exposed to harmful radiations, mutagens, and viruses.

Explanation of Solution

As there is environmental stress on bacteria, bacteria tend to mutate their DNA structure with response to changing environment. DNA structure can be mutated by eliminating the step of proofreading that takes place after DNA replication. Proofreading is done by DNA polymerase. So, bacteria can suppress this function of DNA pol or can use other DNA pol that does not proofread. This helps in getting better protein strands with better functions that help bacteria to sustain in changing environment.