Lecture 5

Question 1

Gene

Answer 1

A sequence of DNA with information that encodes for a functional product

Question 2

Alleles

Answer 2

Different versions of information that could be encoded for a given gene.

Question 3

What is Evolution?

Answer 3

The process that results in changes in the proportion of heritable traits within populations from one generation to the next (evolution occurs if the allelic frequencies are changing over generational time)

Question 4

What are the four ways for Allelic frequencies to change?

Answer 4

1. Natural Selection
2. Mutation
3. Genetic Drift
4. Gene Flow

Question 5

What is a Mutation?

Answer 5

Random errors in the DNA (usually occurs during DNA replication)

Question 6

What are the many different types of mutations?

Answer 6

Point mutations, deletion, duplication, insertion, nonsense, missense, silent

Question 7

What do most mutations NOT lead to?

Answer 7

New phenotypes

Question 8

To influence evolution, what must a mutation occur in?

Answer 8

A gamete cell

Question 9

What is a mutation a primary source of?

Answer 9

New genetic variation

Question 10

What is genetic drift?

Answer 10

Change in allele frequencies that happens through random chance – survival and reproduction not tied to adaptive traits
* Sometimes well adapted individuals get unlucky
* Sometimes poorly adapted individuals get lucky

Question 11

Is genetic drift always happening?

Answer 11

Yes - luck or chance is constant.

Question 12

What populations is more likely to be affected by genetic drift?

Answer 12

Smaller populations