Population Genetics II: Mutations, Gene Flow, Drift

These flashcards encompass key concepts from the lecture on Population Genetics including mutations, mechanisms of evolution, gene flow, drift, and their consequences for populations.

What indicates that a population is in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium?

If the genotype frequencies of a population add up to 1.

What are the evolutionary mechanisms that may cause a population to not be in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium?

Mutation, gene flow, drift, non-random mating, natural selection.

What can mutations be classified as?

Beneficial, deleterious, or neutral.

What does a missense mutation do?

Changes one amino acid in a protein sequence.

What is a nonsense mutation?

It creates a stop codon that leads to premature termination of protein synthesis.

How many mutations occur per human zygote?

Approximately 6 mutations.

What is gene flow?

The transfer of alleles or genes from one population to another.

Why is gene flow important for populations?

It makes populations more genetically similar.

What does genetic drift cause in a population?

Fluctuations in allele frequencies that can result in loss of genetic diversity.

What is the Founder Effect?

When a new population is created from a small number of individuals.

What happens during a genetic bottleneck?

A severe reduction in population size leading to loss of genetic diversity.

What are the consequences of genetic drift?

Loss of genetic diversity, increased homozygosity, and increased susceptibility to stressors.

What factors can increase inbreeding in surviving populations?

Severe genetic bottleneck and low gene flow.