can someone explain why sexually produced organisms vary in charactersitics??
i undersatnd the whole concept about the genes...meiosis and the crossing over of information..but i think that's a little high and dry
Sexually produced organisms combine the genes from both parents. It's a toss-up to see how many genes come from each parent.
My favorite example is the fraternal twins, Larry and Jerry. Larry is small-boned and dark-haired. Jerry is large-boned and blond. Larry seems to have gotten his physical genes from his mother, while Jerry inherited his father's characteristics.
oooo ok. thnx much.. i get the drift, was kinna hard for me to word it
Certainly! The variation in characteristics of sexually produced organisms is due to a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences. Here's a step-by-step explanation:
1. Genetic Variation: During sexual reproduction, offspring inherit half of their genetic material from each parent. This leads to a mixing of genetic traits, resulting in new combinations in the offspring. Genetic variation arises from a process called recombination, which occurs during meiosis.
2. Meiosis: Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that produces sex cells (gametes), such as sperm and eggs. In this process, the genetic material is shuffled and recombined through a series of divisions, including crossing over.
3. Crossing Over: Crossing over occurs during meiosis, when homologous chromosomes exchange segments of genetic material. This process increases genetic diversity by creating new combinations of alleles (alternative forms of genes) on the chromosomes.
4. Independent Assortment: During meiosis, the chromosomes segregate randomly into daughter cells, leading to independent assortment of different traits. This means that the distribution of genetic traits is not determined by any specific pattern, resulting in further genetic variation.
5. Environmental Influences: In addition to genetic factors, the environment plays a significant role in shaping the characteristics of sexually produced organisms. Environmental conditions, such as temperature, nutrient availability, and social interactions, can affect gene expression and phenotype (observable characteristics).
6. Natural Selection: The variation in characteristics provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon. Organisms with traits that are better suited for survival and reproduction in a particular environment are more likely to pass on their genes to the next generation. Over time, this leads to the accumulation of favorable traits and adaptation to specific environments.
In summary, the variation in characteristics of sexually produced organisms is a result of genetic recombination, independent assortment, environmental influences, and the process of natural selection. Together, these factors contribute to the diversity of traits we observe in sexually reproducing organisms.
Certainly! The variation in characteristics among sexually produced organisms is mainly attributed to two factors: genetic recombination and genetic mutation.
Genetic recombination occurs during the process of meiosis, which is a specialized form of cell division that produces reproductive cells (sperm and eggs). In this process, the chromosomes from the individual's parents are shuffled and mixed through a phenomenon called crossing over. During crossing over, corresponding sections of the chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material, leading to the creation of unique combinations of traits. This recombination of genetic material contributes to the genetic diversity seen in offspring.
Additionally, genetic mutation plays a role in generating variation in sexually produced organisms. Mutations are random changes in an organism's DNA sequence, which can occur spontaneously or due to environmental factors. These changes can range from small alterations in a single gene to more significant genetic rearrangements. Mutations introduce new genetic variants that can result in different characteristics being expressed in offspring.
By combining genetic recombination and genetic mutation, sexually produced organisms can exhibit a wide range of characteristics. These processes allow for the accumulation and expression of different combinations of genes, leading to the diversity observed within a population and across generations.
If you're interested in exploring this topic further, learning about genetics, meiosis, and the mechanisms of genetic recombination and mutation would provide a more in-depth understanding.