Advancing Evolution:Gene Pool
From Activating Evolution
The gene pool of a species or a population is the complete set of unique alleles that would be found by inspecting the genetic material of every living member of that species or population. A large gene pool indicates extensive genetic diversity, which is associated with robust populations that can survive bouts of intense selection. Meanwhile, low genetic diversity (see inbreeding and population bottlenecks) can cause reduced biological fitness and an increased chance of extinction.
When many alleles exist for a given gene or locus, a population is said to be polymorphic with respect to that gene or locus. When no variation exists, it is labeled monomorphic.
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[edit] Mutations
Mutations occur during the transcription of DNA from RNA and back to DNA during the reproduction of cells. One incorrect or missed nucleic acid has the ability to cause vast changes in an organism. The worst being for a living homo sapien, not associated with reproduction, is cancer - the rampant and uncontrolled spread of cells that act as a parasite upon the organism.
However, there are two cases of mutation within living homo superiors (Code named Patient Zero and Empath) barring reproduction not associated with cancer that have caused significant changes to their genomes. These mutations have caused the individuals to absorb character traits of other homo superiors.
Empath's DNA mutations strangely enough arise from this individual's own genetic anomaly defining it as Homo Superior. The gene causes the individual's Homo Superior Gene Sequence to alter slightly and incorporate the genetic sequences from another Homo Superiors in the vicinity (furthest confirmed distance of this transfer was approximately 50 ft). An example of this can be seen on New York (Peter Petrelli) or Venezuela (Julian Ruiz).The exact mode of incorporation is yet unknown, but we theorize the mode of transport may be viral in nature.
Patient Zero's mutations have been a forced incorporation into his genome by himself. Once again the exact method of mutation is unknown. But these mutations have arisen at a huge cost, homo superiors' lives. Patient Zero's original mutation allowed him to understand the intricate workings of whatever device he studies, be it a watch or a human brain. Patient Zero can detect these subtle difference in the human brain between homo sapien and homo superior. Patient Zero extracts the brains of those he wishes to study and therefore he kills them. He then is able to mutate his DNA to mimic the homo superior's DNA. The method of his actual mutation is yet unknown. He does not have a device such a "Empath" to incorporate these mutations inherently. Some in academia have suggested Patient Zero in fact ingests the brains of the homo superiors. However, the ingestion and digestion of the brain seems a far-fetched method to incorporate genetic traits.
The Homo Superior Gene Sequences can also be passed to offspring. It appears that Homo Sapiens and Homo Superiors can mate successfully and produce viable offspring. However, the transfer of the gene to offspring and its method (Is it mendalien?) still requires in depth research. This widens the gene pool of the Homo Superior. In fact, mating patterns of the Homo Superior seem to suggest that they are drawn to each other or to Homo Sapiens who were sired by at least one Homo Superior. Although this is not always the case. Therefore successfully keeping the gene pool viable and ever changing.
Research is currently being conducted to determine how prevalent the mutated Homo Superior gene really is.
[edit] Recombination
It is important to note that the natural recombination of DNA during the creation of germ cells (eggs and spermatozoa) is not mutation. Recombination is a trait of most robust gene pools, wherein a sort of "randomization" occurs.
In humans, for example, siblings rarely look identical. The genes that determine the size and shape of facial features are not exact copies or simple mixtures of the parents' genes; they have undergone the recombination process.
It is this recombination process that allows successive generations of viruses to avoid the antibodies that would destroy them. It is currently believed that recombination is a survival trait for macroorganisms (people and animals), giving the genetic variation that allows their offspring to survive in a changing world.
[edit] Swimming Advisory
It is not possible to swim in a gene pool, as it isn't that type of pool.
[edit] References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Pool
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Categories: Canon | NW
