Genetics and Evolution
The chapter explores key concepts in population genetics, including gene pools and allele frequencies, the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and mechanisms of speciation. It discusses the impact of genetic engineering and associated ethical considerations. Additionally, it delves into the principles governing the genetic diversity and evolutionary changes within populations.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- A gene pool represents the total genetic diversity available in a population.
- Allele frequency measures how common an allele is within a population's gene pool.
- The Hardy-Weinberg Principle provides a model for studying genetic variation in the absence of evolutionary forces.
Key Concepts
- -- Gene Pool
- The total collection of genes and their alleles in an interbreeding population, reflecting its genetic diversity.
- -- Allele Frequency
- The proportion of a specific allele among all allele copies for a particular gene in the population.
- -- HardyWeinberg Principle
- A principle stating that allele and genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary influences.
- -- Speciation
- The evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species through mechanisms that promote reproductive isolation.
- -- Genetic Engineering
- The direct manipulation of an organism's DNA to alter its characteristics, including processes such as gene cloning and CRISPR technology.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.