Genetic Diversity.ppt

Genetic Diversity Biology/Env S 204 Spring 2009 Genetic diversity Heritable variation within and between populations of organisms Encoded in the sequence of 4 base-pairs that make up DNA Arises by mutations in genes and chromosomes Genetic Diversity Very small fraction of genetic diversity is outwardly expressed Estimated 109 different genes across the Earth’s biota Represents a largely untapped genetic library Genetic Diversity Genetic diversity is the foundation for all higher levels of biodiversity Genetic diversity provides the recipe for populations and species, which in turn form communities and ecosystems Genetic variation enables evolutionary change and artificial selection Genetic Diversity Genetic diversity may have direct economic value (genes for disease resistance, biologically active compounds) But effective conservation for whatever purpose depends upon accurate, thoughtful assessment of genetic diversity Preservation of genetic diversity is usually a high priority in conservation programs Nature of Genetic Diversity Information for all of life stored in the structure of DNA Genetic code or the units (bases, nucleotides) that make up DNA are essentially universal Nature of Genetic Diversity A length of DNA (often with extra proteins) is a chromosome A section of DNA along the chromosome that contains the information to make a protein (or RNA) is a gene Chromosome structure DNA Structure Nature of Genetic Diversity A gene may be several hundred to up to about two thousand units (bases) long A gene contains the information to make a protein or RNA A gene is a discrete unit of hereditary information Nature of Genetic Diversity Nature of Genetic Diversity Nature of Genetic Diversity Nature of Genetic Diversity Nature of Genetic Diversity Prokaryotes One-celled, no compartments (no nucleus) Genetic material in a single, circular chromosome Therefore only 1 copy of each gene per bacterium A typical bacterium has 1,000-2