18.1.3

Mutations

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Mutations

In sexually reproducing populations, many different combinations of alleles are present, meaning that variation is high. Whilst sexual reproduction is capable of shuffling pre-existing alleles, only mutations (genetic changes) can generate new alleles.

Illustrative background for What rate do mutations happen at?Illustrative background for What rate do mutations happen at? ?? "content

What rate do mutations happen at?

  • Mutations are rare.
  • The rate of mutations can be increased by ionising radiation and some chemicals.
Illustrative background for Do mutations always affect the phenotype?Illustrative background for Do mutations always affect the phenotype? ?? "content

Do mutations always affect the phenotype?

  • Most mutations do not affect the phenotype.
  • Of the small number that do affect the phenotype, it is rare that the phenotypic change will give a significant survival advantage.
  • If a new mutation generates a new phenotype that's more adapted to a recent environmental change than the rest of the population, the mutation will likely spread throughout the population over a small number of generations.

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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