DNA Mutation and Evolution Impact

A permanent change in the DNA sequence that can alter an organism's traits.

Mutations are the primary source of differences in genes between individuals.

Mutations can lead to different traits, diseases, and also contribute to evolution.

Evolution relies on mistakes in DNA, followed by the survival of advantageous traits.

Changes in DNA are relatively rare, with only one nucleotide pair changing every million years.

Despite rare changes, DNA is typically copied with accuracy.

Mutations can influence the complete genetic makeup of an organism.

Mutations provide the raw materials for diversity among individuals of a species.

The process where a segment of DNA containing a gene is copied, resulting in two identical genes within a genome. This is a key mechanism for creating genetic diversity.

These are base analogs that resemble normal DNA bases but can pair with incorrect bases during replication, leading to mutations.

After duplication, genes can evolve independently, leading to changes in their function or expression. One copy may accumulate mutations, while the other maintains the original function.

When a duplicated gene loses a portion of its original function, and the other copy also loses a portion, but they complement each other to maintain the original function.

Chemicals that add methyl (Me) or ethyl (Et) groups to DNA bases, altering their structure and affecting base pairing.

One copy of a duplicated gene acquires a completely new function, while the other copy retains the original function.

Examples of alkylating agents that specifically target guanine (G) bases, increasing the chance of G-to-A mutations.

Mistakes that naturally occur during the process of copying DNA, leading to changes in the genetic sequence. These errors are the source of many mutations.

Flat molecules that insert themselves between DNA bases, distorting the helix and causing errors during replication.

Examples of intercalating agents that can induce mutations, particularly frameshift mutations.

The enzymes responsible for replicating DNA sometimes insert the wrong nucleotide or add too many or too few nucleotides, leading to changes in the DNA sequence.

A type of DNA damage repair which can lead to gene duplications. This happens when both strands of the DNA molecule are broken, and during the repair process, extra copies of the DNA can be inserted.

A physical mutagen that generates photoproducts in DNA, primarily cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer and 6-4 photoproduct.

A photoproduct formed by UV radiation, where two adjacent pyrimidine bases (C or T) are linked together.

Gene duplications are a major driving force of evolution. They provide raw material for new genes and functions, leading to adaptation and diversification of species.

Another photoproduct formed by UV radiation, where a different type of bond forms between adjacent pyrimidines.

A specific type of mutation cluster found in breast cancer, associated with reduced invasiveness and improved prognosis.

Comparing genomes of different species reveals functional DNA sequences by observing their conservation throughout evolution.

Regions of the genome that code for the amino acid sequences of proteins.

DNA sequences that are highly similar between different species, indicating functional importance.

DNA sequences that vary significantly between species, suggesting less critical function.

Changes in the genome caused by errors in DNA copying, maintenance or due to transposable DNA elements.

Parasitic DNA sequences that copy themselves and insert into different locations in the genome, causing disruptions or new gene fusions.

Single base pair substitutions in the DNA sequence, causing alterations in the genetic code.

Major changes in the genome involving large-scale deletions, duplications, inversions or translocations of DNA segments.

A branching diagram that illustrates evolutionary relationships between different species based on their genome sequences.

The process where a genome eliminates DNA sequences that are not essential for its function, resulting in a more compact genome.

A process where natural selection favors organisms with beneficial mutations, eliminating those with harmful mutations.

A copy of a duplicated gene that has become inactive due to mutations.

After duplication, genes can evolve independently, leading to changes in their function or expression.

A group of genes responsible for producing proteins that bind oxygen in the blood, demonstrating how DNA duplication generates new proteins.

A permanent change in the DNA sequence that can alter an organism's traits.

Gene duplication provides a significant source of new genetic material, leading to the development of novel traits and functions during evolution.

A tool used to estimate evolutionary time based on the rate of mutations in DNA sequences.

The speed of a molecular clock is influenced by the degree of purifying selection and the mutation rate.

Mitochondrial DNA sequences evolve faster in animals, making them valuable for studying recent evolutionary events.

Genomes expand through small blocks of DNA insertions and duplications of chromosomal segments, often involving transposons.

Genomes shrink through the loss of small DNA blocks, a process observable in the human and mouse genomes.

The balance between DNA addition and DNA loss determines the size of a vertebrate genome.

Variations in genome size reflect the unique evolutionary history of different lineages, highlighting key events like gene duplications or deletions.

By analyzing and comparing gene or protein sequences, we can trace the relationships between all living organisms.