Sexual living organisms have two types of
cells: somatic and genetic. Somatic mutation happens with body cells while
gametic mutation happens with sex cells and can be pass on to the next
generation such as how HIVs are passed on genetically. Mistake from the
replication of DNA or the chromosomes can cause mutation and variation in the
body. There are two majors way that causes mutation: chemical or radiation and
evolving over time to the environment according to Darwin's laws on natural
selection.
Chances of DNA failing to replicate the
exact duplicate is really low, however
once it has been synthesize wrongly, it could affect the entire individual and
lead to mutation or changes in the individual. The modification in autosomes
may lead to diseases such as Down syndrome, Edward’s syndrome or fatau's
syndrome where there is one extra chromosome (3 chromosomes instead of 2
chromosomes). Since the gene is coded inside the DNA, the disease can be pass
on to the next generation as well. In addition, if an individual is missing an
autosome, they will result in being handicapped where they might be missing an
arm or they might have a volvuli heart disease.
This article on chromosome disorders interested me because I
personally know many individual with down syndromes. I think it is pretty
amazing how small structure units such as chromosomes have the ability to
control and impact the entire living organism.
