Premium Essay

Genetic Diversity: Mutations, Sexual Reproduction, Migration & Population Size

In:

Submitted By caymaniancandy89
Words 260
Pages 2
Genetic Diversity: Mutations, Sexual Reproduction, Migration & Population Size

Genetic diversity is scientific term that is used to describe genetic differences. Genetic differences can be caused by a number of things. Mutations, Sexual reproduction, Migration and Population size all affect how diverse genetics can be.
Mutation causes many variations in any known species; they introduce new genetic information into a population by modifying the alleles that are already present or ones that have been absent. All different alleles of a trait came from some kind of mutation in the past. Most people when thinking of a mutation expect some obvious type of deformity or cancer; however mutations can be either neutral or harmful. Mutations can have no effect at all as with neutral ones, or stop the gene from functioning completely hence causing a harmful one.
Sexual reproduction creates new genetic combinations as each parent passes on 13 chromosomes to the child during fertilization. It’s the process of recombination of cells from both parents.
Migration of individuals is an important factor in passing on or subtracting alleles from one local population to another. Whenever one human being leaves one population and enters another, it subtracts its genetic information from its own and joins the one it has entered. As persons continue to add to and leave the population the gene pool will continue to change.
Population size is affected by all of the above. Simply put the smaller the population the less room there will be for genetic diversity, the bigger the population the more combinations of alleles will

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Discuss the Issues Related to Genetic Diversity; Mutations, Sexual Reproduction, Migration, and Population Size.

...related to genetic diversity; mutations, sexual reproduction, migration, and population size. Generally speaking, there are numerous issues related to genetic diversity which include mutations, sexual reproduction, migration, and population size. To begin with, mutations (any change in the DNA sequence of an organism) introduce new genetic information into a population by altering alleles (a form of a gene usually arising through mutation) that are already present. Occasionally, a mutation introduces a new allele into the gene pool of species. On the other hand, a mutation may introduce an allele that was deficient in a local population. Meanwhile, it is present in other populations of species. All the different alleles for a trait originated as a result of mutations sometime in the past and have been maintained within the gene pool of the species as they have been passed from generation to generation during reproduction. Many mutations are harmful, but very rarely one will occur that is valuable to the organism. If a mutation produces harmful allele, the allele will then remain uncommon in the population. For example, the “Anopheles” mosquito is responsible for transmitting malaria in many African counties. At some point in the past, mutations occurred in the DNA of these mosquitoes that made some individuals tolerant to the insecticide Pyrethrin, even before the chemical had been used. These alleles remained very rare in these insect populations until Pyrethrin...

Words: 1087 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Discuss the Issues Related to Genetic Diversity: Mutations, Sexual Reproduction, Migration, and Population Size.

...How genetic diversity comes about? Genetic diversity is a branch of Biology which refers to large number of different species that can be found on earth as well the diversity within a particular species. Also, genetic diversity is affected by several ongoing natural issues that are related to mutation, sexual reproduction, migration, and the size of the population. The first issues that related are mutation. What is mutation? Mutation defined “an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration,” (www.thefreedictionary.com, 2008). The issue with mutation is that it permanently change the characteristics of the species involved in the mutation. This could lead to permanent loss of certain characteristics in a species. According to Concepts in Biology, “the Anopheles mosquito is responsible for transmitting malaria in many African countries,” (2008). The large number of people who fear that mutation can lead to disharmony in the environment. In addition, mutation is useful in determining evolutionary relationship. Second issue that related is sexual reproduction. What is sexual reproduction? According to Concepts in Biology, “the propagation of organisms involving the union of gametes from two parents," (2008). In human form the males carry sperm which are small and motile. The female carry eggs which provide food for embryo. In addition, male his sex organs main purposes are to produce the sperm and deliver it in the reproduction tract of a female. However...

Words: 258 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Generally Speaking, There Are Numerous Issues Related to Genetic Diversity Which Include Mutations, Sexual Reproduction, Migration, and Population Size.

...Generally speaking, there are numerous issues related to genetic diversity which include mutations, sexual reproduction, migration, and population size. To begin with, mutations (any change in the DNA sequence of an organism) introduce new genetic information into a population by altering alleles (a form of a gene usually arising through mutation) that are already present. Occasionally, a mutation introduces a new allele into the gene pool of species. On the other hand, a mutation may introduce an allele that was deficient in a local population. Meanwhile, it is present in other populations of species. All the different alleles for a trait originated as a result of mutations sometime in the past and have been maintained within the gene pool of the species as they have been passed from generation to generation during reproduction. Many mutations are harmful, but very rarely one will occur that is valuable to the organism. If a mutation produces harmful allele, the allele will then remain uncommon in the population. For example, the “Anopheles” mosquito is responsible for transmitting malaria in many African counties. At some point in the past, mutations occurred in the DNA of these mosquitoes that made some individuals tolerant to the insecticide Pyrethrin, even before the chemical had been used. These alleles remained very rare in these insect populations until Pyrethrin was used. Then these alleles became very valuable to the mosquitoes that carried them. The mosquitoes...

Words: 279 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Genetic Diversity

...Genetic Diversity How genetic diversity comes about? Genetic diversity is a branch of Biology which refers to large number of different species that can be found on earth as well the diversity with in a particular species. Also, genetic diversity is affected by several on going natural issues that are related to mutation, sexual reproduction, migration, and the size of the population. The first issues that related are mutation. What is mutation? Mutation defined “an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration,” (www.thefreedictionary.com, 2008). The issue with mutation is that it permanently change the characteristics of the species involved in the mutation. This could lead to permanent loss of certain characteristics in a species. According to Concepts in Biology, “the Anopheles mosquito is responsible for transmitting malaria in many African countries,” (2008). The large number of people who fear that mutation can lead to disharmony in the environment. In addition, mutation is useful in determining evolutionary relationship. Second issue that related is sexual reproduction. What is sexual reproduction? According to Concepts in Biology, “the propagation of organisms involving the union of gametes from two parents," (2008). In human form the males carry sperm which are small and motile. The female carry eggs which provide food for embryo. In addition, male his sex organs main purposes are to produce the sperm and...

Words: 443 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

A Discussion of the Issues Relative to Genetic Diversity

...A Discussion of the Issues relative to Genetic Diversity an essay by Timothy D. Roxbury A Discussion of the Issues relative to Genetic Diversity Introduction When we discuss genetic diversity, we describe the genetic differences of certain members of a population, whether they are mammal (humanoid or animal), plant or any other type of living organism. Upon first discovery of genetic differences, we notice that the alleles for each diverse characteristic may be placed under one of two categories: high genetic diversity or low genetic diversity. In the case of high genetic diversity, we will find a variety of differing alleles for each characteristic. Conversely, nearly all of the members of a population will have the same alleles when the case of low genetic diversity is considered. The following discussion will take into consideration the concept of genetic diversity, how it is introduced into a population and what, if any, are the resulting factors. The four means of introduction are: • Migration • Mutation • Population Size • Sexual Reproduction In the following synopsis, each means of introduction will be considered separately followed by a conclusion of the assignment. Migration as it relates to Genetic Diversity Migration is defined as the movement of a living organism from one place to another. During the process of migration, the living organism is subject to spread its alleles among other like living beings. This,...

Words: 1263 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Genetic Diversity

...Before we begin to discuss the issues related to genetic diversity, we have to know exactly what genetic diversity is all about. It is a " term used to describe genetic differences among members of a population", according to Concepts in Biology 12th Edition written by Eldon Enger. There are several topics we can discuss when speaking about genetic diversity such as mutation, sexual reproduction, migration and population size. Let's start with Mutation. Mutation brought recent information into a population by transformaing alleles that already exist. Sometimes you will find that a mutation will introduce a new allele into the gene pool of a species. Many other times, a mutation can also introduce an allele that was not present in a regional population, although it is produced in other populations of the species. For example, if a dog is a carrier of a disease causing allele, the dog can transmit this disease to a human if bitten. Initially, it may just be a few dogs that are troublesome. Over time, mutations occur that enables a significant number of dogs to be carriers. This would now be considered a major issue for humans. On another hand, you have sexual reproduction that does not originate new alleles. Sexual Reproduction incline new genetic ingredients when the genetic report from two individuals combines with one another during the process of fertilization, creating a one of a kind individual. But, this doesn't alter the incidence of alleles within...

Words: 645 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Issues Regarding Genetic Diversity

...Issues In Relation to Genetic Diversity Nature unveils in all its superiority and success but is oblivious of the dangers of biological evolution which either enhance it or make it inferior and extinct. The study of Genetic Diversity gives us a broad understanding of the process of evolution and somehow prepares us for expecting changes in biological evolution. Genetic diversity which also known as genetic variation is an inconsistency of phenotypes within a population of the same species. In relation to genetic diversity is high diversity and low diversity. High genetic diversity occurs when there are a numerous variety of genes within a population; on the other hand low diversity is when the entire population of the same species inherits similar alleles. In a research study by G.Vida (1994) she wrote, “Genetic diversity within species is highly significant during their adaptation to environmental changes and, consequently, for their long-term survival. The genetic variability of species is also the basis for the evolution of higher levels of biodiversity, the evolution of species, and it might be an indispensable prerequisite for the functioning of our biosphere.” ( G. Vida 1994). There are several factors which can influence genetic diversity in a population such as migration , sexual reproduction,mutation and population size which can either enhance or jeopardize biodiversity. Migration is when a species move out of their original population and into a different...

Words: 1231 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Biology

...related to genetic diversity: mutations, sexual reproduction, migration, and population size What is genetic diversity? Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. “High genetic diversity indicates many different kinds of alleles for each characteristic, and low genetic diversity indicates that nearly all the individuals in the population have the same alleles”. There are certain issues related to genetic diversity which include mutations, sexual reproduction, migration, and population size. Mutations are stable changes in the DNA sequence of a gene. Mutations can be caused by many different things. They can be caused by radiation. They can also be induced by the organism itself. Mutations happen naturally when genes have dysfunctions. Modifications in DNA caused by mutations can cause errors in protein sequence, creating partially or completely non-functional proteins. “Many mutations are harmful, but very rarely one will occur that is valuable to the organism”. Sexual reproduction is the formation of a new individual following the union of two gametes. These gametes have specific needs. A gamete has to meet and unite together. They also must have food to nourish the developing embryo. “The new member may have a unique combination of characteristics so superior to those of the other members of the population that the new member will be much more successful in producing offspring”. “Migration of individuals...

Words: 389 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Genetic Diversity Issues

...Genetic Diversity Issues Genetic diversity can be seen everywhere we look. These differences give us variety whether we are talking about humans, animals, insects, or plants. These same differences can cause issues over time, however. When we discuss genetic diversity it involves mutations, sexual reproduction, migration, and population size. All four of these factors add to the variety we see every day and are deeply intertwined and can be problematic. Mutations occur when new genetic information is introduced to a population within a species and modify the alleles that currently exist. Some mutations can be harmful to one species and not affect the other. For example, if an insect is a carrier of a disease causing allele, the insect can transmit this disease to a human if stung. Initially, it may just be a few insects that are troublesome. Over time, mutations can occur that enable a significant number of insects to be carriers. This would now be considered a major issue for humans. Sexual reproduction is responsible for passing these alleles along through generations. It does not create new alleles but it does form different sets of genetic combinations due to varying partners. Looking at the insect mentioned earlier, sexual reproduction allowed for continuous breeding of the few insects that carried the disease trait. The mutated genes became stronger than the...

Words: 522 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Genetic Diversity

...related to genetic diversity: mutations, sexual reproduction, migration, and population size What is genetic diversity? Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. “High genetic diversity indicates many different kinds of alleles for each characteristic, and low genetic diversity indicates that nearly all the individuals in the population have the same alleles”. There are certain issues related to genetic diversity which include mutations, sexual reproduction, migration, and population size. Mutations are stable changes in the DNA sequence of a gene. Mutations can be caused by many different things. They can be caused by radiation. They can also be induced by the organism itself. Mutations happen naturally when genes have dysfunctions. Modifications in DNA caused by mutations can cause errors in protein sequence, creating partially or completely non-functional proteins. “Many mutations are harmful, but very rarely one will occur that is valuable to the organism”. Sexual reproduction is the formation of a new individual following the union of two gametes. These gametes have specific needs. A gamete has to meet and unite together. They also must have food to nourish the developing embryo. “The new member may have a unique combination of characteristics so superior to those of the other members of the population that the new member will be much more successful in producing offspring”. “Migration of individuals...

Words: 389 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Genetic Diversity

...ISSUES RELATED TO GENRTIC DIVERSITY The field of genetics and especially genetic engineering has become important in our daily lives, not just for its ability to clone both organisms and plants, but for its uses in fighting disease. Genetic diversity is important for the survival and adaptability of any species. A species with high genetic diversity is more likely to survive environmental changes as well as diseases. Only recently have scientists found an allele in type two diabetes to which prevents the pancreas from producing beta cells which, in turn, produce insulin to reduce blood sugar. The modification of allele, named FOX03A, can decrease insulin resistance, and thereby reduce the complications of diabetes, including cardiovascular and renal disease and therefore prolong the human life span. This is just one example of how genetics will be more influential in the future. Genetic diversity is maintained in four different ways; mutation, sexual reproduction, migration and population size. Mutation is the origin of all new genetic diversity. Most mutations are harmful to the organism, and are not compatible to life. Some however, produce offspring who are better adapted to their environment than their predecessors, and in turn strengthen the genetic pool and improve the chance for longer survival. Some mutations limit the growth of populations. Those mutations are usually transferred from one generation to another via homozygous...

Words: 548 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Genetic Diversity

...Kaylee Thelen Genetic Diversity Generally speaking, there are numerous issues related to genetic diversity which include mutations, sexual reproduction, migration, and population size. Genetic diversity, or the level of biodiversity, refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or an entire planet. To begin, a mutation is a permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene. Mutations can be caused by many different things. They can be caused by radiation and can also be induced by the organism itself. This process is called hyper mutation. Mutations are changes in an organism's DNA that potentially affect the correct functioning of genes. Mutations happen naturally when genes have dysfunctions. Changes in DNA caused by mutation can cause errors mutations have damaging effects, and the remainder end up being either neutral or weakly beneficial. This happens sometimes when natural radiation was not able to be avoided. However, the mutation rate is increased by radiation, including ultraviolet light, and exposure to certain toxic chemicals. Mutations can be grouped in two types. One is Spontaneous mutations and the other is Induced Mutations. Then you have sexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction is the formation of a new individual following the union of two gametes. These gametes have specific needs. A gamete has to meet and unite together...

Words: 433 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Questions Aboutmath

...consideration the concept of genetic diversity, how it is introduced into a population and what, if any, are the resulting factors. The four means of introduction are: • Migration • Mutation • Population Size • Sexual Reproduction In the following synopsis, each means of introduction will be considered separately followed by a conclusion of the assignment. Migration as it relates to Genetic Diversity Migration is defined as the movement of a living organism from one place to another. During the process of migration, the living organism is subject to spread its alleles among other like living beings. This, it seems, is where the concept of genetic diversity begins to take place in regards to the concept of migration. The extent of the migration process doesn’t have to be profound. If the alleles that the male or female possess are rare or abundant, it can either grossly or marginally affect the population from which it departed and possibly have an equal effect on the beings in its new environment. If the alleles in the population are not leaving in large numbers, the population will not see. Generally speaking, there are numerous issues related to genetic diversity which include mutations, sexual reproduction, migration, and population size. To begin with, mutations (any change in the DNA sequence of an organism) introduce new genetic information into a population by altering alleles (a form of a gene usually arising through mutation) that are already present...

Words: 470 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Current Competing Theories of the Origin of Life on Earth: It Arrived from an Extraterrestrial Source; It Originated as a Heterotrophy; It Originated as an Autotrophy.

...Genetic diversity is always changing both across space and through time. Typically, the amount and type of genetic diversity within a species vary across its natural range. Additionally, its genetic diversity changes over time. At least in the long-term, and sometimes even over shorter time frames such as a few generations of the species. These natural changes in the genetic diversity of a species create a dynamic landscape upon which any influences that we exert are superimposed. To better understand our impacts, and to decide if management actions are warranted, it is useful to understand the natural dynamics of genetic diversity. Genetic diversity is affected by several ongoing natural processes. These processes are: mutation, migration, genetic drift, and selection. Mutation is the origin of all new genetic diversity, occurring when there are occasional errors in the replication of DNA or other elements of the production and packaging of genetic information within the cells. Although implies something negative, mutations can have positive, neutral, or deleterious impacts Mutations occur rather slowly but continuously. Mutations at one level, for example, in the nucleotides that are the basis of DNA, May not all is expressed at other levels — such as protein differences or observable changes in the appearance of a plant. The rate of mutation is useful in determining evolutionary relationships. Mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful for the organism, but mutations...

Words: 848 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Issues Related to Genetic Diversity

...Issues Related to Genetic Diversity Genetic diversity is related to many different characteristics. “Genetic diversity refers to the number of different species as well as the diversity within the species.” (www.biology-online.org) The genetic diversities provide a way for the world to comply with the changing surroundings. As the world changes, the more creatures will adapt to their proper environments. The creatures offspring will have a higher survival rate. Genetic diversity is important because it serves as a path for population to change. Without genetic diversity, everything would look the same generation after generation. Ultimately, over time the species would become extinct. Mutation is changing the structure of a gene resulting in a different form in future generations. DNA is constantly subject to mutation or changes in the code. Mutations can be a good or bad thing. Most are actually good for us. “The good mutations that keep the world healthy are called silent mutations.” (www.geneticstheteach.org) But the mutations we hear about the most are the ones caused by sickness. Mutations caused by a single gene are some of the most well known diseases such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia. Most inherited genetic diseases are recessive, meaning a person must have two copies of the mutated gene to inherit the disease. Diseases caused by only one defective gene are extremely rare. Natural selection tends to change over time because the carriers are...

Words: 623 - Pages: 3