Question

Describe how mutations lead to genetic variations. Please support your answer.

Answer 1

A gene mutations can be defined as the permanent alteration in the sequence of the DNA that makes the gene. Gene mutation may give rise to genetic variations or from the genetic recombination. These variations are known to alter the gene activity and the function of the protein. These variations in the protein or gene activity give rise to different traits in an organism.

If the trait is beneficial and helps the organism to survive and reproduce, such variation is likely to be passed to the next generation.

Answer 2

Mutations refer to the random change in the genetic code of an organism.

Mutations which take place in the germ cells are passed from one generation to another.

Mutations are naturally caused by errors in DNA replication, by physical or chemical methods.

The mutations change the genetic makeup of the organism and introduce new alleles or combination of alleles in a population.

These random mutations accumulate over time and increase the genetic variation among the population.