Hello giuseppina,
What is a mutation? "A mutation is a permanent change in the DNA
sequence of a gene. Mutations in a gene's DNA sequence can alter the
amino acid sequence of the protein encoded by the gene." (I recommend
you read the entire page cited here :)
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/disorders/mutations/
When our genetic information is copied, sometimes there are mistakes
made in the copying which lead to mutations, or a deviation from the
"normal".
Genetic mutations can occur randomly as trillions of DNA is copied
every second, but they can also be sparked by such things as
chemicals, and a changing environment.
Why are mutations important to evolutionary theory?
"For evolutionists there is only ‘one game in town’ to explain the new
information which their theory requires—mutations. These are
accidental mistakes as the genetic information (the coded set of
instructions on the DNA which is the ‘recipe’ or ‘blue-print’
specifying the construction and operation of any creature) is copied
from one generation to the next. Naturally, such scrambling of
information will tend to either be harmful, or at best neutral.
However, evolutionists believe that occasionally, a ‘good’ mutation
will occur which will be favored by selection and will allow that
creature to progress along its evolutionary pathway to something
completely different." (I also recommend you read this entire article,
even though it is skeptical on the theory of mutation and genetic
variation, it does sum up the main points very well).
http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs/241.asp
After reading the above, you will find this academic link to be useful
as well. It will give you additional causes of mutation such as
“Mutations also can be caused by exposure to radiation, alcohol, lead,
lithium, organic mercury, and some other chemicals. Viruses and other
microorganisms may also be responsible for them.”:
http://anthro.palomar.edu/synthetic/synth_4.htm
If mutations did not occur (in evolutionary theory supporting
mutations), there would certainly not be the variety of species in the
world that we find today. There would still be one celled prokaryotes,
or no life at all on the planet earth. Mutations are believed by
evolutionists to have bridged the gap from prokaryotes to eukaryotes
and beyond. The theory of evolution heavily depends on the idea of
mutation (where new alleles can be generated) to account for the
different genetic varieties we have on earth.
Here is an article which talks about Mutation vs. Genetic
Recombination:
http://www.nwcreation.net/geneticrecombination.html
If you need any clarifications regarding this answer, please let me
know and I will do my best to further assist you.
tisme-ga
Search Strategy (on Google):
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