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Permanent changes to the phenotype

The document discusses the causes of permanent changes in phenotype, primarily through mutations and sexual reproduction, which lead to genetic variation. It explains the types of mutations, their potential benefits, and the role of mutagens, as well as the concept of adaptation and evolution by natural selection. Additionally, it highlights adaptive features of polar bears that enable them to survive in cold environments.

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Hania
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6 views5 pages

Permanent changes to the phenotype

The document discusses the causes of permanent changes in phenotype, primarily through mutations and sexual reproduction, which lead to genetic variation. It explains the types of mutations, their potential benefits, and the role of mutagens, as well as the concept of adaptation and evolution by natural selection. Additionally, it highlights adaptive features of polar bears that enable them to survive in cold environments.

Uploaded by

Hania
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Permanent changes to the phenotype

Permanent characteristics that can be inherited are due to the gene make-up of an
organism. This may be altered, causing variation, as a result of mutation or of sexual
reproduction.

Mutation

A mutation is a change in a gene or chromosome and can arise because of:


■ mistakes in the copying of DNA as cells get ready to divide-up with the 'incorrect' base
■ damage to the DNA - some environmental factor might alter bases present in the DNA
■ uneven distribution of chromosomes during the division of cells.

Chromosome mutations: occur when cell division fails to work with complete accuracy. For
example, when human gametes are formed each gamete should receive 23 chromosomes.
Occasionally an error occurs. The consequences of chromosome mutations are often serious.

Gene mutations: occur when part of the base sequence of the DNA on a single chromosome is
changed. As a result, a defect protein may be produced, or no protein at all. This can lead to a
considerable change in a characteristic. There are many examples, including sickle cell anemia,
shown below.

Beneficial mutations
Not all mutations are harmful. Many of them give benefits to the organisms that have
them, and aid adaptation to the environment.Some may cause harm but be a benefit in another!
Sickle cell anemia is an example of this,people who are heterozygous for sickle cell anemia are
resistant to malaria.

Radiation can increase mutation rates


Mutations occur spontaneously (for no apparent reason), though they are very rare
events. However, a number of factors (called mutagens )can increase the rate of mutation.
Important mutagens are:
■ radiation - gamma, ultraviolet and X-radiation can all damage DNA and so cause mutations
■ chemicals - tars in tobacco smoke, high concentrations of some preservatives and some plant
control hormones can cause mutation.
Mutations may be linked with cancer. A mutagen that causes uncontrolled cell division is
called a carcinogen ('cancer maker').

Sexual reproduction leads to variation


Sexual reproduction mixes up genetic material in three ways, as shown below,
producing new genotypes and so variations in phenotype.

Adaptation
As we have seen, living organisms differ from one another. Some of these variations
make an organism well suited to its environment, some make no difference, and others make
the organism less well suited to its environment. An organism that is well suited to make the
most of the limited resources within its environment is said to show adaptation to its
environment, as shown opposite. The cactus (a xerophyte) and the water lily (a hydrophyte) are
both well adapted to their environments.

Evolution by natural selection


At the time that Darwin lived, most people believed that each species was fixed, and had
been put on Earth in its current form by a creator - God. Darwin thought that species were not
fixed, and that they changed through time to produce new species. He called this changing
through time evolution. At first he was unable to convince other scientists because he could not
suggest a mechanism for evolution. However, he eventually published his ideas in a famous
book, The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.

CAUSES OF VARIATION:
1. Mutation: Any change in the sequence of DNA.
2. Crossing over: Exchange of a segment of the 2 homologous chromosomes between
chromosomes/exchange of the genetic material between homologous
chromosomes.Meiosis always occurs in germ cells.
3. Sexual Reproduction: Random mating of the same species.
4. Random Fertilization: Random sperm fertilizes with another .

ADAPTATION:
Any structural or functional change from a natural process by which an organism is
better fitted to survive and reproduce its environment.

Causes of Adaptation:
1. Survive the climatic conditions (birds migrate )
2. To avoid predators.
3. To reproduce better and increase their generation so they don't go extinct.
4. To compete for food & other resources.

Adaptive Features of Polar Bear:- (Animals of cold regions)

1. Thick fur
First layer is wooly hair and second layer is guard hair →hair is hollow so that it can trap
warm air

2. Greater size
Number of cells is more.
It contains oil that is why they don't absorb
Rate of respiration is greater and more heat is produced.

3. White color
It helps them to hide themselves from predators.
Lesser heat loss
Absorbs less emits less heat

4. Small tail & Small ears


Less surface area is exposed to heat.
5. Fat layer
Below the wooly hair there is a fat layer which provides the Insulation
During hibernation, fat is oxidation as nutrition as fats are the best source of food

6. Large paws
A large surface area is distributed so that their body weight can apply less pressure
when they are moving.
Stronger grip due to pads on feet for strong grip provides insulation against heat loss.

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