In: Biology
Describe how spontaneous point mutations occur in bacteria. How may these types of mutation affect protein function? Explain the function and importance of genetic variation in bacteria. Include in your answer descriptions of two examples where genetic variation has resulted in differences in the behaviour of different bacterial strains of the same species.
Spontaneous mutation occurs without mutation induction. These are the result of errors during DNA replication. When DNA Pol III synthesizes a new strand of DNA, a nucleotide will be mispaired, added or omitted. Thus a point mutation occurs.
As a result of degeneracy of the genetic code, point mutation generally results in the same amino acid being incorporated into the resulting polypeptide despite the sequence change.
Function of genetic variation in bacteria : There are three mechanisms of gene transfer in bacteria - transformation, transduction and conjugation. These works to accelerate the rate of bacterial evolution. The spontaneous changes are required to produce new traits.
Importance of genetic variation in bacteria : Genetic variation is key to the survival of a species, allowing bacteria to adpat the changes in their environment by natural selection.