Gene Mutations

Gene Mutations

Spontaneous changes may occur in a huge variety in genes of every kind of living organism. Many of the differences between these individuals are ultimately the result of gene mutation (and sometimes, the establishment of genetic equilibrium subsequently). Thus, mutation contributes to a much faster increase in genetic variation.

Generally, genes are relatively stable and additionally, every individual gene has its own mutation rate. For example, the gene that controls wing size is less likely to mutate than the gene for eye colour in a fruit fly.

Loss of genetic material causes gene mutations, which could be a change rather than a loss of genetic material. Reverse mutation occurs when a mutant allele mutates back to its original condition. A gene can undergo more than one kind of mutation.

Inbreeding can often result in recessive gene mutations, in which organisms inherit harmful effects because two recessive genes from a common ancestor are bonded in a homozygous condition.

High frequency radiations, exposure to certain mutagenic chemicals and even minor stimuli (e.g. a change in temperature) can induce gene mutations, which may also occur spontaneously. These gene mutations could have insignificant or fatal effects though only small sections of the DNA coding are changed.

Scientists have discovered that mutation rates are lower in microorganisms than in more complex species through measurements of gene mutation rates.