Significance of genetic variation in human evolution and health:
Genetic variation is a key measure in the differences of DNA sequences within the individuals and populations. Genetic variation often leads to genetic diversity, and play an important role in the evolution of human health and susceptibilities to diseases. Genetic variation is essential for natural selection because natural selection can only increase or decrease frequency of alleles that already exist in the population.
Genetic variations are caused by:
- Mutations
- Genetic recombination
- Random mating
- Random fertilization
Sources of Genetic Variations:
Sources of genetic variation are as follows:
1.Mutation:
In mutation DNA sequences changes due to error in DNA replication and can produce genetic variation by altering the gene sequence and can produce alleles in a new way.
2.Genetic recombination, random mating and random fertilization reshuffles the genes within an organism’s offspring and can introduce new genetic variations among the individuals and population.
3.The main sources of genetic variation are the formation of new alleles, the altering of gene number or position, rapid reproduction, and sexual reproduction.
Evolutionary importance of genetic variation:
Genetic variation plays an important role in the evolution of species among the individuals and population, to adapt the changing in the environment through natural selection. Because natural selection acts directly on phenotypes and usually enables the phenotypic variations. Some new alleles increase an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce, which then ensures the survival of the allele in the population. Genetic variation is advantageous because it enables some individuals and, therefore, a population, to survive despite a changing environment.
Genetic variation and human health:
Genetic variants have a substantial impact on human health, from illness susceptibility to treatment response:
Genetic illnesses: Certain variances cause genetic illnesses, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia. These mutations affect a gene's normal function.
Cancer Genomics: Variations in certain genes, such as tumor suppressors or oncogenes, might influence cancer growth. Understanding these mutations enables tailored medicines in cancer therapy.
Personalized Medicine: Genetic differences can explain why people react differently to drugs. Variations in the CYP450 gene family, for example, influence medication metabolism, paving the way for customized medicine that tailors therapy to an individual's genetic makeup.
Conclusion:
Genetic variation is advantageous to a population because it enables some individuals to adapt to the environment while maintaining the survival of the population. They also provides a thorough grasp of biological variety, health, and illness. They are the key to progressing sectors like customized medicine, cancer therapy, and evolutionary biology.
