Genetic Polymorphisms: Causes & Effects

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In summary, the conversation discusses genetic polymorphisms and their occurrence in the genome of populations. It is noted that these variations can arise through mutations during DNA replication or from external agents damaging the DNA. The differences in individuals due to polymorphisms can affect protein function and can even lead to different phenotypes within a population. The conversation also touches on the topic of speciation and the role of genetic differences in the separation of species. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding genetic polymorphisms in various fields of biology and medicine.
  • #1
Manish7
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I am in a query ,how genetic polymorphisms occur in genome of populations ??
is it a sort of cross linking during meiosis or it occur during gametogenesis ??
polymorphisms means multiple variants of the same gene , so if the genes are variants ,will this affect the function of the protein that is transcribed or any ALTERED phenotypic effect ?
although the difference between every indiviual is the polymorphisms in DNA (0.5%) ONLY !
 
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  • #2
Manish7 said:
I am in a query ,how genetic polymorphisms occur in genome of populations ??
is it a sort of cross linking during meiosis or it occur during gametogenesis ??
polymorphisms means multiple variants of the same gene , so if the genes are variants ,will this affect the function of the protein that is transcribed or any ALTERED phenotypic effect ?
although the difference between every indiviual is the polymorphisms in DNA (0.5%) ONLY !

Here we try to answer confusions or difficulties that have arisen while studying. We don't write the textbooks which you sound like needing.

Briefly the the context you are meeting them the polymorphisms can be called pre-existing in a population.

You have probably noticed yourself directly that not all individuals in populations are identical.

The genetic differences have arisen in cells in the germ line which came to differ from their ancestor by the process called mutation. This arises through faulty copying of DNA during DNA replication. The replication machinery has numbers of mechanisms for sole purpose of stopping this happening, but something gets through. Or the DNA was damaged before replication by external agents, radiation, chemical agents (and has got through the repair processes that try to limit that too). Most of the polymorphism seen has arisen many generations ago, but in a large population new mutations can be seen from one generation to the next; for just a few exceptionally highly varying genes it can even be seen from one generation to the next in most individuals.

What is the mechanism(s) of mutation? In your first book you will find a few pages on it, in your second book you will find a chapter of two on it, later on you can find a book on it, after that you can find reviews of advances in it, you can find scientific journals entirely devoted to it, but you will find scientific papers and articles much concerned with it over a wide range of biology, molecular biology, cell biology, cancer research, medical and population genetics, certain environmental and public health research etc., it is woven through the whole lot.

So don't mind me not have given a complete answer to your question. :biggrin: good luck with your studying.:smile:
 
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  • #3
so if ti is an result of mutations over several years why human races do not differ from each other ,
mean to say that when two or more clearly different phenotypes exist in the same population of a species so what are the different phenotypes in human ??
 
  • #4
Manish7 said:
so if ti is an result of mutations over several years why human races do not differ from each other ,
mean to say that when two or more clearly different phenotypes exist in the same population of a species so what are the different phenotypes in human ??

Well you do know that with exception of identical twins etc. all humans are genetically non-identical but they can all interbreed, and similarly for nearly all other animal species, indeed this is almost the definition of species. When members of animal populations become too different they can no longer interbreed and separate into different species.

If you are asking how the species became separate you are again asking about a major theme of general biology and ongoing research and I repeat at this site we don't write the books, we at most try to help answering compression difficulties arising in the minds of those trying to study the books, particularly as revealed by difficulties in solving the exercises the textbooks provide.

So for such general starting questions you should find another site. Better, read some general introductory books on genetics, evolution etc. For a quick answer to your questions I can only recommend you google 'mutation' and 'speciation'.
 
  • #5
Manish7 said:
I am in a query ,how genetic polymorphisms occur in genome of populations ??
is it a sort of cross linking during meiosis or it occur during gametogenesis ??
polymorphisms means multiple variants of the same gene , so if the genes are variants ,will this affect the function of the protein that is transcribed or any ALTERED phenotypic effect ?
although the difference between every indiviual is the polymorphisms in DNA (0.5%) ONLY !

SNPs can absolutley affect protein function. Think about the big push for personalized medicine these days and that's bound to come in the future. SNPs can significantly impact the way you metabolize drugs and their safety windows.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understandingcancer/geneticbackground/page13 [Broken]
 
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What are genetic polymorphisms?

Genetic polymorphisms are variations in the DNA sequence of a gene that occur naturally in a population. They can lead to differences in physical traits, susceptibility to diseases, and response to medications.

What causes genetic polymorphisms?

Genetic polymorphisms can be caused by a variety of factors, including mutations in the DNA sequence, environmental factors, and genetic recombination during reproduction. Some polymorphisms have no known cause.

What effects do genetic polymorphisms have?

The effects of genetic polymorphisms can vary greatly, depending on the specific gene and the type of variation. Some polymorphisms have no noticeable effects, while others can lead to changes in physical traits, increased risk of disease, or altered response to medications.

Can genetic polymorphisms be inherited?

Yes, genetic polymorphisms can be inherited from one or both parents. They can also occur spontaneously during development or as a result of environmental factors.

How are genetic polymorphisms studied?

Genetic polymorphisms are studied through various methods, including genetic testing, genome-wide association studies, and population studies. These methods help researchers identify and understand the causes and effects of different polymorphisms.

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