Mutations lead to variation by creating new alleles, which are different versions of genes.
The Role of Mutations in Genetic Variation
Genetic variation is the difference in DNA among individuals. This variation is the foundation of evolution, allowing populations to adapt to changing environments. Mutations play a crucial role in generating this variation.
Creating New Alleles
- Definition: Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence.
- Impact: According to the provided reference, "Mutation creates slightly different versions of the same genes, called alleles." These newly created alleles can lead to differences in observable traits.
- Examples:
- A mutation in a gene controlling hair color might produce a new allele for red hair.
- A mutation affecting height could lead to an allele for increased height.
Individual Uniqueness
The accumulation of these small differences in DNA sequence, caused by mutations, is what makes each individual unique. As the reference states, "These small differences in DNA sequence make every individual unique."
Visible Differences
These genetic differences, stemming from mutations, manifest as visible variations in traits.
- Phenotype: The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
- Examples: "They account for the variation we see in human hair color, skin color, height, shape, behavior, and susceptibility to disease."
Summary
In essence, mutations are the source of new genetic variation by introducing new alleles into a population. These new alleles can then be acted upon by natural selection, contributing to the evolutionary process.
