Investigating diversity Flashcards
What is the limitation of using observable characteristics to investigate diversity?
A large number of them are coded for by more than one gene, they are polygenic.
Also, characteristics might adapt due to environment which means that the differences might be caused due to environmental factors, not genes.
How are DNA base sequences used for comparison to determine the differences in diversity?
Using technology, it can be used to accurately determine the exact order of nucleotides on DNA. The data is coloured coded, we can measure the genetic diversity of a species by sampling the DNA and use the data to determine how diverse they are.
How can we compare the base sequence of mRNA?
By using the DNA sequence, mRNA is complementary to the base sequences on the DNA strand so we can use that to determine the genetic diversity.
How can we compare the base sequence of amino acids?
The sequence of amino acids is determined by mRNA which then is determined by DNA. The degree of similarity in the amino acid of the same protein in 2 species will reveal how closely related they are.
