Genetic Variations
Charles Darwin stated that over time life could change so much so that new species are formed from a single species. But Darwin did not know where these mutations occurred. His theory could explain how humans and chimps are so alike yet different. Are we all just accidents of creation caused by mutations? Genetic mutations occur in the DNA of an organism. They can be influenced by environment or may occur during mitosis or meiosis. Mutations have been shaping life since it began and is the cause for genetic variations from one generation of a species to the next. Without mutations, life on this planet would not be possible. The ability to change is needed for life to flourish. Hawaii's state bird, the nene is in danger of extinction. Once 50,000 nenes inhabited the islands. Now there are less than 200. The sugar cane fields in Hawaii became the breeding grounds for rats. Farmers released mongooses to kill the rats. They also began to eat the nene chicks and eggs. Roy Blackshire runs a program that places captive born nenes into the wild. This program, once a success, is now causing chaos in the nene population.
When a certain acid is added to the blood cells, the cells take on a sickle shape and collect to form rod-like structures. The rods then stop the Malaria parasite from invading the blood cells. A genetic mutation in the hemoglobin gene can cause red blood cells to sickle without the help of an acid. In Senegal there are 15%-20% that carry the mutated gene. 20% of the total population in Africa carry the gene. Why doesn't everyone carry the gene? These are just a few examples of how genetic variations form the planet on which we live. Other examples include the family of ruminants and how they are able to digest lysazine, the mutations caused by X-ray radiation in the fruit fly, and countless other experiments scientists perform to get a better understanding of how mutations affect the world around us. Each organism on this planet had origins from mistakes. Mother Nature discards the failures of genetic variations, and continues with the success, forming a world rich in diversity. e pair of nenes were taken from the wild and bred in captivity. Later two more birds were added. The chicks were released into the wild and t
Some common words found in the essay are:
Roy Blackshire, Charles Darwin, Mother Nature, blood cells, cells sickle, carry gene, genetic variations, blood cells sickle, sickle cell anemia, malaria parasite, nenes wild, sickle cell, cell anemia, africa carry, hemoglobin gene,
Approximate Word count = 764
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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