Genetic Variation Flashcards

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What is genetic variation?

Differences in DNA between members of the same species. It leads to different characteristics.

Name two main causes of genetic variation in a species.

Mutation and sexual reproduction (meiosis and fertilisation).

How does meiosis create genetic variation?

It makes gametes with different mixes of alleles by crossing over and independent assortment.

What is crossing over in meiosis?

In meiosis I, matching chromosome pairs swap sections of DNA. This mixes alleles.

What is independent assortment?

In meiosis, chromosome pairs line up and separate at random. Each gamete gets a random mix of chromosomes.

How does fertilisation add to genetic variation?

Any sperm can join with any egg. The zygote gets a unique set of alleles.

What is an allele?

A different version of the same gene. Different alleles cause genetic variation.

What is a mutation?

A change in the DNA sequence. If it happens in a gamete, it can be passed to offspring.

Do most mutations change the phenotype?

No. Most have no effect. Some change a protein and can change the phenotype.

Why does asexual reproduction give little genetic variation?

It makes clones from one parent by mitosis. Only new mutations add differences.