- #1
- 4,219
- 67
I am wondering, are there certain statistical probabilities of mutations? Like, which one is more likely a transistion or a transversion (and what do they mean)?
Originally posted by Monique
I am wondering, are there certain statistical probabilities of mutations? Like, which one is more likely a transistion or a transversion (and what do they mean)?
Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can occur naturally or be induced by external factors. They can result in changes to the genetic code, which can have varying effects on an organism.
Transitions are mutations that involve the substitution of one purine base (adenine or guanine) for another or one pyrimidine base (cytosine or thymine) for another. Transversions, on the other hand, involve the substitution of a purine for a pyrimidine or vice versa.
Transitions are considered more conservative mutations as they result in a change to a base that is chemically similar to the original base. This can have a smaller impact on the resulting protein compared to transversions, which involve more drastic changes to the base sequence.
Mutations can occur spontaneously during DNA replication or be induced by external factors such as exposure to radiation or certain chemicals. Transitions and transversions can also be caused by errors in the repair mechanisms that fix DNA damage.
Mutations are the raw material for evolution, providing the genetic variability upon which natural selection acts. Transitions and transversions can lead to changes in the amino acid sequence of proteins, which can impact an organism's fitness and potentially contribute to its survival and reproductive success.