Probability of a given mutation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the vast number of possible single molecular mutations in the human genome, estimated at approximately 3.1 billion, corresponding to the number of base pairs. It highlights that humans are diploid, possessing two sets of genomes from their parents, which further increases mutation possibilities. The inquiry into mutations stems from an interest in modeling stochastic processes and understanding probabilities related to successful mutations. The conversation also touches on the complexity of mutations, noting that each base pair can consist of various nucleotides, which compounds the potential mutation combinations. The speaker expresses a desire to explore sequences of similar mutations that could lead to gradual evolutionary changes over generations.
Mr Peanut
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Consider the DNA of a human.

How many single, individual, molecular mutations are possible?
 
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ummm about 3.1 billion or so? :wink:
 
BoomBoom said:
ummm about 3.1 billion or so? :wink:

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?
 
Why do you pose this question?

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.

ummm about 3.1 billion or so?

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.
 
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