Eli5: We have a dna correction system to avoid variations, but, sexual reproduction to promote variations. So, Are variations good?
In: Biology
To be more precise, we have mechanisms in place to prevent any errors when replicating our DNA. When copying the DNA from 1 cell when it splits into 2, we want the DNA to be exactly the same in both cells. Any errors in the replication might result in faulty cells that dont do what they’re supposed to. Or worse, cancerous cells. Its like building a brick wall, you want each brick to be an exact replica of each other so you can build a stable, precise wall. You dont want them to change shape and composition between each brick you pick up.
Where variation does have its advantage is across different individuals within a community. A genetically diverse population is much more resilient to diseases and other threats to the population. To achieve this variation we have 2 main mechanisms. First, some of the chromosomes in our gametes (sperm and eggs) do a little mixing and matching within itself so that they’re not an exact identical copy of the DNA in th rest of the body. If you imagine the X X chromosomes as 2 people, you can imagine them mayne swapping their left shoes, or swapping watches, so the X X on your gamete looks different from the original source XX.
Second, when you reproduce you take 1 chromosome from each parent and match them together, creating a mix and match that creates a unique offspring. The2 mechanisms combine such that even the same pair of parents having lots of children can still produce a relatively diverse group of offspring.
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