Evolution
Olivia Brennan
DNA
and other molecular evidence
Protein synthesis is the biological process by which individual cells build their specific proteins. It involves both DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and ribonucleic acids (RNA). Protein synthesis involves translation and transcription.
During the processes such as DNA and protein synthesis, mutations can occur. They show up when problems such as changes in choromosomes occur or when changes in one or a few nucleotides. Mutations are just changes in the genetic material. These mutations can affect how an organism behaves, looks, and its physiology. These mutations can be harmful, neutral, or benefical towards the organism and can affect how likely it is that they will survive and reproduce.
Some of the mutations that occur in an organism will not be passed down to their offspring. Likewise, some will. These mutations that are passed down from parent to offspring are the source of genetic variability in a species.
Mutations in DNA, particularly genetic mutations, provide the variation necessary for natural selection. Mutations create pools of variation in DNA, and the environment and other selective pressures select for specific mutants, which is how evolution occurs.
