Probability of a given mutation

[Mr Peanut]

Consider the DNA of a human.

How many single, individual, molecular mutations are possible?

 

[BoomBoom]

ummm about 3.1 billion or so?

 

[zomgwtf]

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?

 

[Mr Peanut]

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.

 

[LudusRex]

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.