Question:
Describe the adaptive (evolutionary) significance of organizing genes into chromosomes
Answer:
Allows for genetic variation
Protects the DNA
Allows for increased gene regulation
Increases complexity of the genome
Explanation:
- Allows for genetic variation
Because chromosomes undergo crossing over it gives more opportunities to increase variety in the population. Crossing over is when genetic information is exchanged between homologous chromosomes. It also allows independent assortment of genes, each chromosome is inherited independently of each other, producing increased variability in gametes
The integrity of DNA is physically protected by the proteins present in the highly organized chromatin fibre. This means that DNA is stable, and genetic information is effectively passed on to future generations
- Allows for increased gene regulation
Chromosomes can be altered by modifications that change its structure and alter the proteins that interact with it, allowing for better control over gene expression
- Increases complexity of the genome
Allows space for more genes as well as complex patterning e.g. introns and exons, further increasing the variety of the genome
