Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

|

Mutations & Genetic Variation (HL IB Biology)

Revision Note

Cara Head

Author

Cara Head

Last updated

Mutations & Genetic Variation

  • Differences exist between organisms of the same species
    • These differences are known as variation
    • Examples of variation include:
      • Coat colour in mammals
      • Body length in fish
      • Flower colour in flowering plants
  • Variation results from small differences in DNA base sequences between individual organisms within a population
  • There are several sources of these differences in DNA base sequences:
    • Mutation
    • Meiosis
    • Random fertilisation during sexual reproduction

Mutations

  • The original source of genetic variation is mutation
  • Mutation results in the generation of new alleles which can influence evolution of a species
  • Mutations that take place in the dividing cells of the sex organs lead to changes in the alleles of the gametes that are passed on to the next generation
    • A new allele may be advantageous, disadvantageous or have no apparent effect
    • An advantageous allele is more likely to be passed on to the next generation because it increases the chance that an organism will survive and reproduce
    • A disadvantageous mutation is more likely to die out because an organism with such a mutation is less likely to survive and reproduce
  • Mutations in a species are, in the long term, essential for evolution by natural selection
  • Note that a mutation taking place in a body, or somatic, cell will not be passed on to successive generations, and so will have no impact on natural selection
  • Mutation is the only source of variation in asexually reproducing species

NOS: Commercial genetic tests can yield information about potential future health and disease risk. One possible impact is that, without expert interpretation, this information could be problematic

  • There are two types of genetic testing available
    • Clinical or medical genetic testing
      • This is carried out through healthcare providers such as doctors, nurse practitioners, or genetic counselors
      • Healthcare providers determine which test is needed, order the test from a laboratory, collect the DNA sample, send the DNA sample to a laboratory for testing and analysis, and importantly they share the results with the patient and ensure understanding of the test results and the implications to the individual and their families
    • Commercial genetic testing provides genetic tests marketed directly to customers
      • The test kits can be bought online or in stores
      • Customers send the company a DNA sample and receive their results directly from the genetic company or lab
      • Commercial genetic testing provides people access to their genetic information without necessarily involving a healthcare provider 
      • This can pose some problems
        • Commercially available genetic tests are not scientifically validated and can give inaccurate results
        • Unexpected information that a customer receives about their health, family relationships, or ancestry may be stressful or upsetting
        • People may make important decisions about disease treatment based on inaccurate or misunderstood information from their test results
        • Individuals often are not provided with genetic counseling

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Cara Head

Author: Cara Head

Expertise: Biology

Cara graduated from the University of Exeter in 2005 with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has fifteen years of experience teaching the Sciences at KS3 to KS5, and Psychology at A-Level. Cara has taught in a range of secondary schools across the South West of England before joining the team at SME. Cara is passionate about Biology and creating resources that bring the subject alive and deepen students' understanding