BIO 101 Lab 8 Population Genetics SUMMER 2024

Assume the following to answer the below pre-lab questions: ● There are approximately 3,000,000,000 base pairs in the mammalian genome (genes constitute only a portion of this total). ● There are approximately 10,000 genes in the mammalian genome. ● A single gene averages 10,000 base pairs in size. ● Only 1 out of 3 mutations that occur in a gene result in a change to the protein structure. In the mammalian genome: 1. How many total base-pairs are in all the mammalian genes? 3,000,000,000 2. What proportion (%) of the total genome does this represent? 3.33% 3. What is the probability that a random mutation will occur in any given gene? .33% 4. What is the probability that a random mutation will change the structure of a protein? Mutations may be silent and not casue any changes. Not all mutations will change the structure of a protein. A point mutation is called “silent” if it does not result in a change to the function of the protein encoded by the gene. Mutations that cause a malfunctioning protein can be harmful to an organism. 1/3 or .33%