Calculate how long it will take for one full base pair mutation to occur. Explain your reasoning with by constructing a mathematical equation.

Since the gene mutates at a rate of 0.76 base pairs every 17.1 million years, to find out the time it would take for 1 base pair to mutate can be calculated by dividing 17.1 million years by 0.76

17,100,000 ÷ 0.76 = 22.5 million years

The following equation can be used to describe this:

μ = [(r2/N2) − (r1/N1)] × ln (N2/N1) = (f1 − f2) × ln (N2/N1)

r1 = the observed number of mutants at time point 1

r2 = the observed number of mutants at the next time point

N1 and N2 are the numbers of cells at time points 1 and 2

Hope that answers the question, have a great day!