1 Katelyn Hachkowski Analyzing Genetic Variation Academic Intervention 22 January 2024 Genetic Variation Inherited genetic variations are caused by genetics. They are caused by the crossing over and assortment in the development of sex cells in meiosis. The random joining of sex cells can also be a source of genetic variation. Mutations are permanent changes in the sequence of DNA. Mutations also cause variations in genetic sequences. I support this claim, although inherited genetic variations can also be caused by environmental factors. These results can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral. Exposure to chemicals and high energy light such as x-rays can cause genetic variation. A single mutation can have a large effect, but in many cases, evolutionary change is based on the accumulation of many mutations with small effects. Some variants occur during a person’s lifetime in only some of the body’s cells and are not hereditary, so natural selection cannot play a role. Also, many genetic changes have no impact on the function of a gene or protein and are not helpful or harmful. For example, mutations in the genes responsible for repair of DNA mismatches that arise during DNA replication are associated with one form of colon cancer. This work led ultimately to the identification of a gene that is associated with 2 increased risk for colon cancer. In addition, the environment in which a population of organisms lives is integral to the selection of traits. As mentioned previously, inherited genetic variations are caused by genetics. This claim is supported by the second paragraph. They are caused by the crossing over and assortment in the development of sex cells in meiosis. The random joining of sex cells can also be a source of genetic variation. All the examples previously stated throughout this paper support my claim. In conclusion, although inherited genetic variations can also be caused by environmental factors, inherited genetic variations are caused by genetics. Works Cited https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/mutationsanddisorders/evolution/ https://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolution-101/mechanisms-the-processes-of-evolution/geneticvariation/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK20363/
