In: Biology
Which description is the best definition of a single nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP?
any variation in a single DNA base between two individuals
any variation in the sequence of genes that alters the morphology of an organism
an RNA protein in the spliceosome that marks where introns get excised during splicing events
an artificially induced mutation in a non‑coding region of the genome
SNP stands for Single Nucleotide Polymorphism. As the name suggests it is a change in the single nucleotide between two organisms.
So, A is correct, as it is a variation in a single DNA between two individuals. Scientists have found more than 100 million SNPs in the world population. These SNPs are found once in every 1000 nucleotides in our genome.
B is incorrect as these variations do not always change the morphology of an organism. A mutation can change the morphology of an organism.
C is incorrect as SNPs are not RNA proteins. SNPs can occur anywhere. They do not mark a site where introns will be excised.
D is incorrect as they are not artificially induced instead they are present naturally in the genome of an organism.
So, the correct answer is A.