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Researchers have identified a gene that determines the inflammatory response of lung cells to infection with a virus - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 32 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 32
Researchers have identified a gene that determines the inflammatory response of lung cells to infection with a virus. An allele of this gene is associated with incre... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Researchers have identified a gene that determines the inflammatory response of lung cells to infection with a virus - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 32 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain how mutation could lead to differences in the gene pools of populations
Answer
Mutation is likely to be the underlying cause of the allele. Differences in allele frequency may arise from new mutations occurring in a population. Environmental factors, such as various chemicals, may cause mutations that differ among populations, being most prevalent in South Asian individuals where over 60% carry the allele.
Step 2
Explain how natural selection could lead to differences in the gene pools of populations
Answer
Natural selection occurs when individuals with certain genotypes are more likely to survive and reproduce. For instance, individuals with the allele may have increased inflammation responses that could hinder survival during viral infections. Hence, they may pass on the trait to the next generation, especially in areas with high viral exposure, like South Asia.
Step 3
Explain how genetic drift could lead to differences in the gene pools of populations
Answer
Genetic drift may significantly impact small populations, where chance events can lead to increased allele frequency. In smaller groups, the allele might become more common over generations merely due to random sampling effects rather than adaptive advantages.
Step 4
Explain how gene flow could lead to differences in the gene pools of populations
Answer
If gene flow between populations is limited, allele frequencies within those groups may diverge. For example, if populations are geographically isolated, they can maintain different allele frequencies, as seen in the specific distributions of the allele across various ancestries.