Question 18

(Multiple Choice)

Immediately following a gene duplication event,what is the most likely evolutionary outcome for a duplicated gene?


A) Duplicated genes usually evolve to perform new functions that differ from their original function (called neofunctionalization), or both duplicate copies evolve via subfunctionalization.
B) Most gene duplication events are selectively neutral and therefore the duplicated gene usually spreads through the population. It can later evolve a new function or keep its original function.
C) Most gene duplication events are deleterious to an organism and therefore are lost due to natural selection.
D) Most gene duplication events are selectively neutral and are therefore lost due to drift.

Answer