Question

What would be the functional purpose of genetic mutations in driving evolution? Without having discussed mutations specifically, would you suspect that all mutations are detrimental to the organism? You should consider how mutations would have affected the LUCA (what does this stand for?) and the current model of the tree of life in your explanation.

Answer 1

The functional purpose of genetic mutations in driving evolution is very significant. The mutaions in the coding regions of DNA can cause mant effective changes in the underlying Protein sequence and thus changes the conformation of the protein folding or changes the structure of the protein which can lead to the new form of the protein with new functions.

Not all the mutations are detrimetal. Too many mutations are constructive and cause new form of functional and biochemical effects.

LUCA stands for the last universal common ancestor and it is the most recent common ancestor of all current life on Earth.