- #1
Mr Peanut
- 30
- 0
Consider the DNA of a human.
How many single, individual, molecular mutations are possible?
How many single, individual, molecular mutations are possible?
Probability of a given mutation
- Thread starter Mr Peanut
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Mutation Probability
In summary, there are approximately 3.1 billion possible single, individual, molecular mutations in the human DNA. However, since humans are diploid, we have two sets of the genome, making the amount of possible mutations even more staggering. The question of how many mutations are possible is being posed by someone interested in modeling stochastic processes and understanding the probabilities of successful mutations. The number of possible mutations for a single base pair is also compounded by the number of nucleotide pairings, which can potentially result in 12 billion possibilities if it were only binary.
- #2
BoomBoom
- 178
- 1
ummm about 3.1 billion or so? 
- #3
zomgwtf
- 66
- 2
BoomBoom said:ummm about 3.1 billion or so?
That's just how many basepairs there are in the human genome. The amount of mutations possible from this is simply staggering. We also have to remember that humans are diploid so we have TWO sets of the genome in us from our parents.
Why do you pose this question?
- #4
Mr Peanut
- 30
- 0
I'm am an armchair enthusiast (not a biologist). I like writing computer programs that model stochastic processes. Right now I am getting comfortable with probabilities for successful mutations. Next I need to get onboard with sequences of similar mutations that bring about gradual change over several generations.
Each element of each base pair can have one of many nucleotides, so the mutiplicity of possible mutations for a specific basepair (one of the 3 billion), must itself compound the number of possibilities for a single mutation event. I don't know the number of possible parings of nucleitides that could in fact comprise a single base pair's multiplicity. If it were only binary we would already have 12 billion possibilities.
- #5
LudusRex
- 1,433
- 0
I would like to clarify that the probability of a given mutation in the DNA of a human is influenced by various factors such as environmental exposure, genetic predisposition, and cellular repair mechanisms. However, in general, the number of possible single, individual, molecular mutations in the DNA of a human is estimated to be around 3 billion. This is based on the fact that the human genome contains approximately 3 billion base pairs, and each base pair has the potential to be altered or mutated. However, it is important to note that not all of these mutations will result in significant changes or have any noticeable effects on an individual's health or characteristics. Additionally, the probability of a specific mutation occurring also depends on the location and function of the mutated gene within the genome. Therefore, while the number of possible mutations is vast, the likelihood of a specific mutation occurring can vary greatly.
1. What is the probability of a mutation occurring?
The probability of a mutation occurring is dependent on various factors such as the type of mutation, the organism's exposure to mutagens, and the organism's DNA repair mechanisms. However, on average, scientists estimate that the probability of a single base pair mutation in humans is about 1 in every 10 billion cell divisions.
2. How do scientists calculate the probability of a given mutation?
Scientists use statistical methods and mathematical models to calculate the probability of a given mutation. This involves analyzing the frequency of mutations in a population and using this data to predict the likelihood of a mutation occurring in a specific gene or DNA sequence.
3. Can the probability of a mutation be influenced by external factors?
Yes, external factors such as exposure to mutagens, environmental conditions, and the presence of DNA repair mechanisms can affect the probability of a mutation occurring. For example, exposure to UV radiation increases the likelihood of mutations in skin cells, while certain DNA repair mechanisms can decrease the probability of mutations.
4. Is the probability of a mutation the same for all organisms?
No, the probability of a mutation can vary among different organisms. For example, bacteria have a higher mutation rate compared to humans due to their shorter generation times and lack of DNA repair mechanisms. Additionally, the types of mutations that occur can also differ among organisms.
5. How does the probability of a given mutation impact evolution?
The probability of a mutation is a crucial factor in the process of evolution. Mutations provide the genetic variation that allows for natural selection to occur, leading to the adaptation of organisms to their environment. Higher probabilities of mutations can result in faster rates of evolution, while lower probabilities may lead to slower rates of evolution.
Similar threads
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical