Assignment on Genetic Diversity
Name: Nieisha A Marcellus
Student number: AC1303833
SC160.2.2 Basic Biology
Assignment 04
9/8/13
Issues related to Genetic Diversity
Genetic diversity can be seen everywhere we look. These differences give us variety whether we are talking about humans, animals, insects, or plants. These same differences can cause issues over time, however. When we discuss genetic diversity it involves mutations, sexual reproduction, migration, and population size. All four of these factors add to the variety we see every day and are deeply intertwined and can be problematic. Before we begin to discuss the issues related to genetic diversity, we have to know exactly what genetic diversity is all about. It is a “term used to describe genetic differences among members of a population".
Mutations occur when new genetic information is introduced to a population within a species and modify the alleles that currently exist. Some mutations can be harmful to one species and not affect the other. For example, if an insect is a carrier of a disease causing allele, the insect can transmit this disease to a human if stung. Initially, it may just be a few insects that are troublesome. Over time, mutations can occur that enable a significant number of insects to be carriers. This would now be considered a major issue for humans.
Sexual reproduction is responsible for passing these alleles along through generations. It does not create new alleles but it does form different sets of genetic combinations due to varying partners. Looking at the insect mentioned earlier, sexual reproduction allowed for continuous breeding of the few insects that carried the disease trait. The mutated genes became stronger than the original genes so they became more prevalent. Over time, these combinations of alleles increased the number of insects carrying it and, therefore, posed the bigger issue.
Migration refers to introducing a species into an area that had not been exposed to that species previously.
Student number: AC1303833
SC160.2.2 Basic Biology
Assignment 04
9/8/13
Issues related to Genetic Diversity
Genetic diversity can be seen everywhere we look. These differences give us variety whether we are talking about humans, animals, insects, or plants. These same differences can cause issues over time, however. When we discuss genetic diversity it involves mutations, sexual reproduction, migration, and population size. All four of these factors add to the variety we see every day and are deeply intertwined and can be problematic. Before we begin to discuss the issues related to genetic diversity, we have to know exactly what genetic diversity is all about. It is a “term used to describe genetic differences among members of a population".
Mutations occur when new genetic information is introduced to a population within a species and modify the alleles that currently exist. Some mutations can be harmful to one species and not affect the other. For example, if an insect is a carrier of a disease causing allele, the insect can transmit this disease to a human if stung. Initially, it may just be a few insects that are troublesome. Over time, mutations can occur that enable a significant number of insects to be carriers. This would now be considered a major issue for humans.
Sexual reproduction is responsible for passing these alleles along through generations. It does not create new alleles but it does form different sets of genetic combinations due to varying partners. Looking at the insect mentioned earlier, sexual reproduction allowed for continuous breeding of the few insects that carried the disease trait. The mutated genes became stronger than the original genes so they became more prevalent. Over time, these combinations of alleles increased the number of insects carrying it and, therefore, posed the bigger issue.
Migration refers to introducing a species into an area that had not been exposed to that species previously.