The Biological Question Thread

[stonecold]

I keep forgetting.  Does mtDNA mutate faster or slower than nDNA

?

[matt123]

I keep forgetting.  Does mtDNA mutate faster or slower than nDNA

?

FASTER

[cypriottiger]

faster
every 1000 years a mtDNA mutation occurs, allowing it to be a vital clue into the evolution of species, particularly homo sapians. it supports the out-of-africa theory in that those of african descent show greater mtDNA variation than other races

[ivslt247]

can anyone give me a clear precise definion on selection pressure?

[stonecold]

thanks

[pi]

A selection pressure is an abstract force that shapes organisms as they evolve due to mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift. Examples include predation, climate (drought), competition, etc.

[stonecold]

Selection pressures/agents:  the biotic and abiotic factors of the environment that can influence the survival and reproduction of individuals, and ultimately of populations and species.

Stole it from my teachers powerpoint haha.

[pi]

I keep forgetting.  Does mtDNA mutate faster or slower than nDNA

?

FASTER

only the hypervariable d-loop mutates fast

[stonecold]

Are people sure it mutates faster?

Look at question 7 MC VCAA 2007...

they say more slowly.  so i am inclined to stick with that.

[ivslt247]

thanks yeah i thought mtDNA generally mutates slower...and only faster in the hypervariable d-loop. i didnt wanna seem odd haha :\ the d-loop allows us to tell the time of divergence in relatively recent peridos of time i think

[pi]

i actually think it does, but a small region, the hypervariable d-loop, mutates faster (i think) as it is non-coding

[stonecold]

i think the more important thing to know anyway is that mtDNA is not subject to variation other than mutation, as it does not undergo independent assortment and recombination.  it is therefore a better measure of evolutionary relationships.

[ivslt247]

upto how many years can carbon dating measure? 100,000 years?

[matt123]

upto how many years can carbon dating measure? 100,000 years?

40

[ivslt247]

anything past that we use potassium argon dating right?