What Form 8655 Duplicate 2024

This evening, I'm going to talk to you about evolutionary genetics and give you some of my insights on this field. But first, I want to share a beautiful quote from a well-known geneticist named Dobzhansky. In an essay responding to creationists who questioned the validity of evolution, he wrote, "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution." This powerful sentence has multiple layers of meaning. For example, it explains why certain islands have unique species of plants and flowers. It also sheds light on how viruses and bacteria quickly evolve to become drug-resistant. Additionally, it helps us understand why studying mice can provide insights into the human body. Evolution is the foundation of biology, connecting different branches of study such as microbiology, entomology, and zoology. The wide range of life forms on our planet, from heat-resistant archaea bacteria to ants forming social colonies, is all linked by evolution. And beneath the surface, the common thread tying all forms of life together is genetics. Every living organism has DNA, which serves as the blueprint for its existence. While scientists may debate the exact definition of a gene, a functional description is that it is a segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein. For instance, the gene responsible for keratin production creates the protein found in hair, skin, and nails. Similarly, two genes work together to produce the components of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Insulin, another protein, is encoded by a single gene. Although this definition of a gene appears straightforward, the reality is more complex. Genes contain interruptions known as introns, and their sequences must be carefully organized to ensure proper protein synthesis. Start and stop signals dictate where protein production begins and ends along the DNA strand.