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Chapter 15: Problem 5

Most mutations are thought to be deleterious. Why, then, is it reasonable to state that mutations are essential to the evolutionary process?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Mutations are essential to the evolutionary process because they provide the necessary genetic variation for natural selection to act upon. Although most mutations are neutral or harmful, the rare beneficial mutations can significantly impact an organism's fitness and give it a competitive advantage. As these advantageous traits spread throughout the population over generations, they lead to adaptation and evolution. Therefore, the introduction of genetic variation through mutations, even if mostly deleterious, is crucial for the evolutionary process.

Step by step solution

01

1. Define Mutation

A mutation is defined as a change in the DNA sequence, and it can occur due to various reasons, including errors in DNA replication, environmental factors, or exposure to certain chemicals. Most mutations are neutral or harmful; however, some can be beneficial for the organism and contribute to its survival and reproduction.
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2. Importance of genetic variation

Genetic variation is the foundation of evolution. It provides a diverse pool of genetic material within a population that natural selection can act upon. Mutations are the primary source of this genetic variation, giving rise to new alleles and traits over time.
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3. Natural selection and adaptation

Natural selection is the process wherein the organisms with traits that allow them to survive and reproduce more effectively than others in their environment are more likely to pass on their genes to the next generation. Through this process, beneficial mutations are preserved and accumulate in a population, while deleterious mutations are likely to disappear.
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4. Evolutionary process

The evolutionary process entails the gradual change in populations over time, driven by natural selection and genetic drift. Mutations provide the necessary raw material for change by introducing new genetic variation that can lead to novel adaptations and increased fitness in a given environment.
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5. Why mutations are essential for the evolutionary process

While most mutations might be deleterious or neutral, those rare cases of beneficial mutations can significantly impact the fitness of an organism, giving it a competitive advantage over other individuals in the population. Consequently, these advantageous traits can spread throughout the population over generations, leading to adaptation and evolution. Therefore, even though most mutations could be harmful, this continuous introduction of genetic variation is essential for the evolutionary process.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Presented here are hypothetical findings from studies of heterokaryons formed from seven human xeroderma pigmentosum cell strains: $$\begin{array}{lccccccc} & X P 1 & X P 2 & X P 3 & X P 4 & X P 5 & X P 6 & X P 7 \\ X P 1 & \- & & & & & & \\ X P 2 & \- & \- & & & & & \\ X P 3 & \- & \- & \- & & & & \\ X P 4 & \+ & \+ & \+ & \- & & & \\ X P S & \+ & \+ & \+ & \+ & \- & & \\ X P 6 & \+ & \+ & \+ & \+ & \- & \- & \\ X P 7 & \+ & \+ & \+ & \+ & \- & \- & - \end{array}$$ These data are measurements of the occurrence or nonoccur- rence of unscheduled DNA synthesis in the fused heterokaryon. None of the strains alone shows any unscheduled DNA synthesis. Which strains fall into the same complementation groups? How many different groups are revealed based on these data? What can we conclude about the genetic basis of XP from these data?

A significant number of mutations in the \(H B B\) gene that cause human \(\beta\) -thalassemia occur within introns or in upstream noncoding sequences. Explain why mutations in these regions often lead to severe disease, although they may not directly alter the coding regions of the gene.

Why is a random mutation more likely to be deleterious than beneficial?

In maize, a \(D s\) or \(A c\) transposon can cause mutations in genes at or near the site of transposon insertion. It is possible for these elements to transpose away from their original site, causing a reversion of the mutant phenotype. In some cases, however, even more severe phenotypes appear, due to events at or near the mutant allele. What might be happening to the transposon or the nearby gene to create more severe mutations?

Acridine dyes induce frameshift mutations. Why are frameshift mutations likely to be more detrimental than point mutations, in which a single pyrimidine or purine has been substituted?
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