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Loren Booda
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Once a trait is established to its environment, might that indicate, by definition or process, that it is more likely resistant to further changes in that environment?
Loren Booda said:Once a trait is established to its environment, might that indicate, by definition or process, that it is more likely resistant to further changes in that environment?
Loren Booda said:Once a trait is established to its environment, might that indicate, by definition or process, that it is more likely resistant to further changes in that environment?
iansmith said:The "adapted genes" still mutated and the same rate as the other genes; however, the mutated "adapted genes" may be selected out of the gene pool if it creates a disavantage for the carrier. Mutation occurs in functionnaly important and unimportant regions of a protein. The mutations in functionnaly important usually alter the function and the phenotype. Mutations in functionnal unimportant region usually do not cause a change in phenotype and function of a protein. This also dependents on the type of mutation.
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/M/Mutations.html
selfAdjoint said:It is a fact that some genes are "conserved" across a startlingly large range of species, implying a vast stretch of time. For example I have read we share something like 20% of our genes with some plants (oak trees were mentioned). This implies that some genes are so important that evolution has found a way to shield them from the more common mutations.
Loren Booda said:iansmith, NateTG and Crumbles - let me modify my original question by asking whether a vital variation among "typical" genes is around their mean likelihood to mutate (saying that a gene in general is more or less beneficially susceptible to radiation or chemicals).
For a gene to be considered "better-adapted", it means that its specific sequence of DNA allows for a greater likelihood of survival and reproduction in a given environment. This can be due to various factors such as enhanced functionality, increased resistance to disease, or improved efficiency in a certain biological process.
Mutations are random changes in the DNA sequence of a gene. These changes can result in new traits that may be beneficial, harmful, or have no effect on an organism's survival. In the process of natural selection, individuals with beneficial mutations are more likely to survive and pass on their genes, leading to adaptation over time.
No, all genes are not equally susceptible to mutation. Some genes have a higher mutation rate due to their location in the genome or the type of DNA they contain. Additionally, certain environmental factors such as radiation or exposure to harmful chemicals can increase the likelihood of mutations in certain genes.
Yes, it is possible for a gene to be both "better-adapted" and easily mutated. While it may have a beneficial function in a particular environment, it may also have a high mutation rate due to its location or type of DNA. This can be advantageous as it allows for more genetic variation and the potential for further adaptation in changing environments.
Natural selection is the process by which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their genes to future generations. This can lead to the spread of beneficial mutations within a population, while harmful mutations are less likely to be passed on. Therefore, natural selection plays a significant role in determining the frequency of mutations in a population over time.