B13 - Variation and Evolution Flashcards
Variation
- Different characteristics of Organisms in a population
Mutations
- Random changes to DNA which may or may not lead to new Phenotypes
Phenotypes with Environmental Changes
- Phenotypes may change in the species if the Climate changes
- Organisms with certain Phenotypes can live in that specific Climate, other Phenotypes may die
Evolution by Natural Selection
- Only Organisms with the Alleles fit for the specific Environment can live, other Organisms will die
- Alleles change overtime to adapt to environment
Adaptations in Cold Climate
- Thick Fur
- Fatty Deposits
- Deep Plant Roots, to reach water
- Examples are Polar Bear, Penguins, Plants
Adaptations in Hot Climate
- Thick Fur on head, acting as a hat, Fur nowhere else
- Deep Roots, Waxy Skin, to reduce water loss
- Large S.A, maximising heat loss
Selective Breeding
- Breeding organisms together to have desired characteristic from offspring
- Breeding Plants, to be resistant to diseases, Cows to be more bigger/better milk
Inbreeding
- Offspring inherits disorders
- Heart disease, joint issues
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
Inheritance of Genes in Organisms over many years can lead to drastic changes in the species or create a new species, in order to survive
Things Effecting Variation
- Exposed Environment
- Lifestyle Choice
- Alleles Inherited and Mutations
Genetic Engineering
Inserting DNA into a NEW genome, such as Embryos so all cells develop with the new DNA
Examples of Genetic Engineering
- GM Crops, resistant to diseases, insects and increase in size
- Bacteria Insulin used to fight Type 1 Diabetes, Insulin is injected and divides and produce Insulin Protein
Genetic Engineering Advantages
- Creates more money from higher crop Yields
- Resistance to Diseases
Genetic Engineering Disadvantages
- GM Crops unknowingly can affect out health
- GM crops can breed with other plants, changing the Ecosystem
Gene Therapy
Treatment of an inherited disorder by giving the patient a healthy copy of the faulty gene
