Essential Cell Biology (fifth Edition)
Essential Cell Biology (fifth Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780393680362
Author: ALBERTS, Bruce, Hopkin, Karen, Johnson -
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
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Chapter 9, Problem 1Q
Summary Introduction

To explain: The reasons why cells go to great lengths of variability to ensure the fidelity of DNA replication.

Introduction: Mutations are the permanent alteration of nucleotide sequences of the genome of a particular organism. It may or may not produce discernible changes in many characters of that particular organism. In some cases, mutations will bring about many desirable changes and many other times, it will affect the well-being of the organism. However, for better survival, it is necessary for the organisms to bring some desirable changes in the genome.

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A single mutation has got a very large effect on the genome of every organism. Usually, evolutionary changes always results from many mutations with small effects. For bringing some desirable variations in the genetic configuration, it is very necessary that the changes produced should be very stable, variant, and a healthy balance must be followed in-between these two. The rate of mutation also has a significant role in the existence of the respective species; if the rate is too high, it would result in the gradual disappearance of the organisms.

The adaptation of every species that has gone through mutation relies in its fidelity of DNA replication. This is so that any error in the replication will be automatically corrected so that it won’t produce any negative effect to the organism; this is what is called as genetic memory. However, in many cases, it is very essential for the organism to make some changes in a DNA sequence. At these times, desirable changes will be produced as they are very crucial for the survival of the organism. These changes will persist only by selection. If such changes have no significant role, they will not be accumulated and if such changes are devastating, then the organism will die as a result of natural selection.

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Mitochondrial mutations; Author: Useful Genetics;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvgXe-3RJeU;License: CC-BY