Mutations and Variations

Species

a species is a group of organisms capable of interbreeding

Population

is a group of individuals of the same species that live in the same geographic area and readily interbreed to produce fertile offsprings

Gene Pool

the total collection of alleles within a population

Allele Frequency

is how common an allele is in a population

Variations

the differences between the individuals in a species

How do Variations arise

Mutations introduce new variations in a population and thus a new allele

Mutation

any permanent change in the DNA sequence

Gene Mutations

are changes in a single gene which can change the protein normally produced by that gene

Chromosomal Mutations

are changes to all or part of a chromosome which can have an impact many genes and proteins they code for.

Causes of Mutations

Mutations can occur during DNA replication, cell division and making proteins

Mutations can also occur…

due to environmental agents that damage the DNA

e.g. alcohol, smoking, radiation ect..

Sexual Reproduction

the process of meiosis produces gametes that are slightly different from each other