VARIATION

DEFINITION
Differences between individuals of the same species
Example : height, skin colour, type of earlobe, bloods group
Help the species to survive changes in the environment.
 TYPE OF VARIATION
CONTINUOUS
Differences in characters are not
distinctive
Have intermediate characters
Quantitative ( can be measured)
Influenced environment factor
2 or more genes control same character
Phenotype is control by many pair of
alleles
Ex : height, weight
DISCONTINUOUS
Differences in characters are distinctive
Have no intermediate characters
Qualitative ( can not be measured)
Not influenced by environmental factor
A single gene determine the trait of
character
Phenotype is control by single pair of
alleles
Ex : bloods group, type of hair
 CAUSES OF
VARIATION
- GENETIC (MUTATION/SEXUAL REPRODUCTION)
- ENVIRONMENTAL
 Crossing over
Occurs between chromatids
from a pair of homologous
chromosomes during
prophase I.
Exchange of genetic
materials results in new
combination of genes from
parent.
 Independent assortment
During metaphase I. The
arrangement of chromosome
at metaphase plate is random
The random arrangement
and separation of homologous
chromosome is independent.
Produce various genetic
combination in the gametes
 Random fertilization

A male gamete can fertilise

any female gamete
Causes the variation occur
in each offspring
 MUTATION
Sudden permanent change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA /
the amount of DNA
Random and spontaneous that can lead to the changes in human
characteristics
Permanent and irreversible
Can be caused by chemical / physical agents (mutagens)
Ex : x rays, uv rays, gamma rays, benzene, folmaldehyde, asbestos,
tar in tobacco smoke
Also can be cause by mistakes during the DNA replication or
uneven distribution of chromosome during cell division
 Gene mutation
a) occurs at a single locus on a chromosome.
b) Involves the substitution, deletion or insertion of nucleotide base
c) a change in the sequence of bases may result in a defective protein or no
protein being produced at all.
d) may occur on a recessive or dominant gene.
e) causes many inherited diseases like sickle cell anaemia, albinism and
hemophilia.
 Sickle cell anaemia
caused by a mutation on the
recessive allele responsible for the
production of haemoglobin.
- the mutated allele causes the
production of abnormal
haemoglobin which crystallizes,
causing the red blood cells to
become sickle shaped or S-shaped
 Albisinm
Called as abino
Defective gene in synthesis the
pigment melanin results in lack of
pigmentation
White hair, pink eye and light skin
color
 HEMOPHILIA
Bleeding disorder where the person
lack of clotting factor that allow the
bleeding to continue
 Chromosomal Mutation
Involve : change in chromosome number/ structure of chromosome
Occur when the sister chromatid / homologous chromosome failed to
separate during meiosis
Normally occurs during anaphase I/II results in abnormal number of
chromosome
Ex : Downs Syndrome, Turner syndrome, Klinefelters syndrome
 Downs syndrome
Extra chromosome at number 21,
total chromosome is 47
As a result, all new cells in embryo
will have 47 number in
chromosome
Slanted eye, flat nose, protruding
tongue, short limbs, mental
retardation
 Klinefelters syndrome
Extra chromosome X in male
resulting in 47 number of
chromosome (44+XXY)
Usually infertile, partial breast
development, broadening hips and
small testes
 Turners syndrome
Lack of X chromosome in female
result in 45 number of
chromosome
No menstruation leads to infertile
Less development of female
secondary sexual characteristics
 Environmental Factors
Such as light intensity, humidity, temperature, soil fertility and nutrition
Example : Hydrangaea sp produce blue when soil is acidic but pink flower
when the soil is alkaline
Sunlight and temperature can change the human hair and skin color
 IMPORTANCE OF VARIATION
To survive in unfavaourable changes in the environment that may cause an
entire species to become extinct.
Provide necessary adaptation for them to survive
Ex : variation among plants give rise to plant which can withstand severe
weather and resist to several disease and pest
Both genetic and environmental factors play importance role in the survival
of the species
 Ex : the survival of peppered moth ( Biston betularia)
in Manchester.
2 colors which are grey coloured and dark melanic
variant coloured.
Before industrial area ( not polluted), more grey color
than dark color because they were all camouflaged by
linchen-covered tree trunk. This protect from predators
Dark color is more easy to see and eaten by predators
causing the number decrese.
During industrial area ( polluted), the lichen are killed
because of the soot accumulated on the tree trunk.
As results, the grey color cannot be camouflage and be
detected by predators
The population decline rapidly.
In contrast, population of dark melanic moth increased