Question

Can you think of a mechanism whereby useful mutations could occur at a greater frequency than random? Or a way of reducing the occurrence of harmful mutations? If you can’t, why is it so hard to direct mutation to useful changes? If you can, why hasn’t it been detected in nature yet?

Answer 1

ANSWER :-

1. Genetic mutation occurs when there are changes in the DNA sequence. These changes may occur during exposure to a particular chemical, radioactive substance, ultraviolet rays, etc. Beneficial mutations are changes in DNA sequences that are associated with an increase in adaptive potential towards environmental changes. Although, this usually occurs over the course of time due to accumulation of minor changes over the time period which may get passed on to the next generation and thus the beneficial mutation becomes prominent. Although, in order to increase the chances of occurence of beneficial mutations, it should be taken into consideration that the gene pool should contain large variation which in turn will lead to selection of those individuals who have higher fitness levels.
2. Lets consider the example of inbreeding. This process is usually restricted to a small population and shows relatively less variations. This process ultimately leads to inbreeding depression and the overall fitness level decreases. So, one way in which the deleterious effects of mutations can be reduced is by preventing inbreeding within individuals. Apart from this, environmental factors do have a larger effect on the mutation to indicate whether they are beneficial or harmful.
3. Mutation occurs due to a change in the gene sequence although there are various ways in which this genetic alteration can be prevented such as screening processes as well as IVF technique which provides an efficient measure to prevent occurence of mutation or transfer of mutation to the next generation. Gene therapies are available which by means of CRISPR technology can be used to eliminate altered nucleotide sequences.
4. The mechanism is first of all a natural process depending upon various factors. So, it is not just the causative element or factor, but it is a combination of various genetic and environmental factors which may contribute to the condition. I havent got the point regarding detection in nature but consider the changes that have happened in human brain size which occured over the course of time with respect to occurence of mutations.

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