Mutations are super important for human evolution. They create genetic diversity, which is needed for natural selection to work. This means that about 1 in every 1,000 base pairs in our DNA is different from person to person because of mutations. Since the human genome has around 3 billion base pairs, this adds up to about 3 million mutations in each person!
Point Mutations: These are changes in a single building block of DNA. They make up about 70% of all mutations.
Insertions and Deletions: This happens when DNA building blocks are added or taken away. These changes can cause big shifts in how genes work.
Copy Number Variations: Sometimes, large parts of DNA can be duplicated or removed. This can change how genes behave.
Lactose Tolerance: There’s a mutation in the LCT gene that allows some adults to drink milk without any problems. This gives them a big advantage in getting nutrients. In some groups of people, up to 90% have this mutation!
Sickle Cell Trait: A tiny change in the hemoglobin gene helps some people resist malaria. This shows how a mutation can help people survive in certain places.
Mutations are also a big part of genetic drift. This happens a lot in smaller populations, where certain mutations can become common over time.
In summary, mutations are the building blocks for evolution. They give us the genetic differences we need to adapt to our changing world. Without mutations, evolution would slow down, and we wouldn’t see the amazing variety of traits in humans today.
Mutations are super important for human evolution. They create genetic diversity, which is needed for natural selection to work. This means that about 1 in every 1,000 base pairs in our DNA is different from person to person because of mutations. Since the human genome has around 3 billion base pairs, this adds up to about 3 million mutations in each person!
Point Mutations: These are changes in a single building block of DNA. They make up about 70% of all mutations.
Insertions and Deletions: This happens when DNA building blocks are added or taken away. These changes can cause big shifts in how genes work.
Copy Number Variations: Sometimes, large parts of DNA can be duplicated or removed. This can change how genes behave.
Lactose Tolerance: There’s a mutation in the LCT gene that allows some adults to drink milk without any problems. This gives them a big advantage in getting nutrients. In some groups of people, up to 90% have this mutation!
Sickle Cell Trait: A tiny change in the hemoglobin gene helps some people resist malaria. This shows how a mutation can help people survive in certain places.
Mutations are also a big part of genetic drift. This happens a lot in smaller populations, where certain mutations can become common over time.
In summary, mutations are the building blocks for evolution. They give us the genetic differences we need to adapt to our changing world. Without mutations, evolution would slow down, and we wouldn’t see the amazing variety of traits in humans today.