Which of the following processes can lead to the formation of entirely new alleles?

• A. Gene duplication
• B. Crossing over during meiosis
• C. Independent assortment
• D. Gene mutation

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that alleles are different versions of a gene, and new alleles arise through changes in the DNA sequence.
2. Recognize that gene mutation is a process that involves changes in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, which can result in the formation of new alleles.
3. Gene duplication can lead to new genetic material, but it does not create new alleles unless followed by mutations.
4. Crossing over during meiosis involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, which shuffles existing alleles but does not create new ones.
5. Independent assortment refers to the random distribution of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, contributing to genetic variation but not forming new alleles.