BIG open-ended question: how does the high (but not perfect) eukaryotic rate of
ID: 167840 • Letter: B
Question
BIG open-ended question: how does the high (but not perfect) eukaryotic rate of correct DNA replication both ensure survival of species and confer the ability to generate new species (or, more likely, more competitive offspring)? In other words, mutation repair is an important part of survival. Without it, we would all likely succumb to one form of cancer or another. However, if mutation repair were absolutely perfect, there wouldn't be the opportunity for evolution, or of progression of species (toward improved genetic fitness). Explain how so much related to the field of genetics relies on this interesting dichotomy.
Explanation / Answer
DNA is the genetic material that can perform two main functions: 1. Autocatalytic function i.e. Replication - Single parental DNA molecule generates two daughter DNA molecule, that facilitates transfer of characters from one cell to other cell or from one generation to another generation. 2. Heterocatalytic function i.e. gene expression which involves Transcription (Generation of RNA from DNA) & Translation (Generation of protein from RNA). These two functions of the DNA are highly regulated by cellular machinary. Any mistaques in these regulatory machinary leads to alterations in the DNA. Some times these alterations responsible for the evolution of new and advanced characters. On the other hand some times these alterations responsible for mutations and leads to cancers, where uncontrolled cell growth takes place.
This is depends on the type of DNA that undergo alterations. Based on the sequence type, DNA is categorised into 2 types. 1. Unique sequence - Mostly functional genes; 2. Repetative sequences: Non functional genes.
In unique sequences, some are strictly essential for cell groth, any mutations in these genes leads to drastic mutations and leads to cancers. Other genes alterations leads to evolution
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