Answer :

The term that best characterizes the type of mutation exhibited by the mutant bacterial strain is "point mutation." A point mutation is a genetic alteration that occurs at a single nucleotide base pair in the DNA sequence.

This type of mutation can result from various factors, such as errors during DNA replication or exposure to mutagens like radiation and chemicals.

Point mutations are categorized into three main types: silent, missense, and nonsense mutations. Silent mutations do not affect the amino acid sequence of the resulting protein, as they result in the same amino acid being produced. Missense mutations, on the other hand, cause a change in a single amino acid, which can potentially affect the protein's function. Lastly, nonsense mutations result in a premature stop codon, leading to a truncated protein that may be nonfunctional or unstable.

In a bacterial strain, point mutations can have different effects on the organism's overall fitness and survival. Some mutations might be beneficial, allowing the bacteria to adapt to new environmental conditions or develop resistance to antibiotics. Others could be detrimental, impairing essential cellular processes or protein functions. In some cases, the mutation may be neutral, having no significant impact on the organism's overall fitness.

In conclusion, the term "point mutation" best describes the type of mutation exhibited by the mutant bacterial strain. These mutations occur at a single nucleotide base pair and can have various consequences, ranging from beneficial to detrimental effects on the bacteria's fitness and survival.

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