Introduction to Evolutionary Conservation: Difference between revisions
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<StructureSection load='' size='350' side='right' scene='Introduction_to_Evolutionary_Conservation/Conservation/1' caption='MeCp2 protein bound to DNA (crystal structure [[3c2i]]). Conservation calculated by [[ConSurfDB_vs._ConSurf|ConSurf-DB]].'> | <StructureSection load='' size='350' side='right' scene='Introduction_to_Evolutionary_Conservation/Conservation/1' caption='MeCp2 protein bound to DNA (crystal structure [[3c2i]]), or enolase [[4enl]]. Conservation calculated by [[ConSurfDB_vs._ConSurf|ConSurf-DB]].'> | ||
Mutations occur spontaneously in each generation, randomly changing an amino acid here and there in a protein. Individuals with mutations that impair critical functions of proteins may have resulting problems that make them less able to reproduce. Harmful mutations are lost from the gene pool because the individuals carrying them reproduce less effectively. Since the harmful mutations are lost, the amino acids critical for the function of a protein are '''conserved''' in the gene pool. In contrast, harmless (or very rare beneficial) mutations are kept in the gene pool, producing '''variability''' in non-critical amino acids. | Mutations occur spontaneously in each generation, randomly changing an amino acid here and there in a protein. Individuals with mutations that impair critical functions of proteins may have resulting problems that make them less able to reproduce. Harmful mutations are lost from the gene pool because the individuals carrying them reproduce less effectively. Since the harmful mutations are lost, the amino acids critical for the function of a protein are '''conserved''' in the gene pool. In contrast, harmless (or very rare beneficial) mutations are kept in the gene pool, producing '''variability''' in non-critical amino acids. | ||
