Which of the following genomic changes are most likely to cause pseudogenes?

• A. Point Mutations
• B. Gene Duplications
• C. Exon Shuffling
• D. Transposons

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand what pseudogenes are: Pseudogenes are segments of DNA that are similar to normal genes but are non-functional; they do not produce functional proteins.
2. Identify the genomic changes listed: Point mutations, gene duplications, exon shuffling, and transposons.
3. Consider how each genomic change can lead to pseudogenes: Point mutations can inactivate a gene, but they typically do not create pseudogenes. Exon shuffling involves rearranging exons, which can create new genes but not pseudogenes. Transposons can disrupt genes, potentially leading to pseudogenes, but this is not their primary role.
4. Focus on gene duplications: Gene duplications can create an extra copy of a gene. Over time, one copy may accumulate mutations that render it non-functional, thus becoming a pseudogene.
5. Conclude that gene duplications are the most likely genomic change to cause pseudogenes, as they provide a redundant copy that can mutate without affecting the organism's fitness.