Question

Briefly describe the following:

Polymorphism

Answer 1

Polymorphism is a form of genetic variation in which distinct nucleotide sequences can exist at a particular site in a DNA molecule. In a population, this heritable mutation occurs frequently. It arises due to mutation either in a somatic cell or in the germ cells. The germ cell mutation can be transmitted from parents to their offspring. This results in the accumulation of various mutations in a population, leading to variation and polymorphism. This mechanism plays a critical role in the process of evolution and speciation.