Mutation Essay ⋆ Environment Essay Examples ⋆ EssayEmpire

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A mutation i s a permanent change in the genetic material of a cell, as represented by the genes that compose the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules that determine the nature and structure of organic material. The cause of the mutation may be internal and result from a malfunction in the process of transmission from one cell to its successors, or it might be stimulated by an external source such as the proximity of chemicals or radiation.

In accordance with the principles of evolution, it is possible that a mutation may represent a better ability to interact with the environment and more chance of long-term survival with the opportunity to pass the genetic change to subsequent generations. However, it is much more likely that a mutation will be detrimental to the organism’s long-term survival chances, since organisms have generally passed through large numbers of previous generations, each of which has offered the small opportunity to adapt better to the environment.

Human Mutation

Consequently, mutation within humans is most commonly seen in the malformations or deformities caused by the spraying of Agent Orange in the Vietnam War, or the release of nuclear radiation at the Chernobyl power plant. Conditions such as sickle cell anemia are examples of mutations within blood cells.

The process of mutation occurs when codons, which are the genetic codes that specify the number, type, and location of amino acids within the DNA molecule, are altered. Since the molecules are so complex and some amino acids are replicas of each other, a mutation may be unnoticeable or at least trivial in nature. It is also possible that the effect of a mutation may be recessive, in other words, overpowered by the dominant gene that is provided by one of the two parents. While some mutations simply substitute one amino acid for another, others insert a new element repeatedly and these can be very destructive of the cells formed with such DNA. Others produce a localized effect within part of an organism, while different types of mutations affect sex cells that may then be transmitted to new generations. Mutation can be deliberately used in the attempt to create more successful organisms, such as in the case of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which offer a better yield for farmers. This process has been used as crossbreeding for many centuries and has resulted in the wide variety of dogs and cats, as well as many different strains of rice.

Viruses in particular are liable to mutate themselves through response to environmental conditions that are not predictable or controllable. For example, there is a significant risk of the H5N1 virus known as avian influenza (more commonly “bird flu”) mutating from its current form into one that can be transmitted between humans, at which point it would have the capability to cause a pandemic disease.

More positively, genetic modifications may be able to help reduce or eliminate the threat of congenital diseases and conditions and to augment human beings (and other creatures) both physically and mentally through mutation. These issues are controversial.

People who believe that the structure of human life is divinely ordained or that genetic mutation will be used in an inappropriately eugenic way, or who fear the unintended consequences of such changes, oppose genetic modification. Opposition to GMOs is very strong in many countries, especially in Europe, because of a range of ethical, commercial, and health issues.

Bibliography:

F. Armstrong and C. Mathers, “Kill and Cure: Dietary Augmentation of Immune Defences against Colon Cancer,” Proceedings of the Nutrition Society (v.59/2, 2000);
Errol C. Friedberg, Graham C. Walker, and Wolfram Siede, DNA Repair and Mutagenesis (American Society of Microbiology, 1995);
Graham R. Taylor and Ian N. Day, , Guide to Mutation Detection (John Wiley & Sons, 2005);
C. Wilson, “Are We Prepared?” Disaster Prevention and Management (v.15/2, 2006).