Genetic variation
What Genetic variation means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Genetic variation
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Reference: AQA
Differences caused by differences in the alleles inherited, new alleles formed by mutation, and the random combination of parental alleles during sexual reproduction.
Offspring inherit a mixture of alleles, so they are genetically different from either parent and from their siblings.
Differences in inherited features among individuals because they carry different combinations of alleles.
Mixing of genetic information in sexual reproduction leads to variety in the offspring.
Arises because offspring inherit different combinations of alleles from their parents.
Topics that use Genetic variation
- Sexual and asexual reproduction (AQA GCSE)
- Variation (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Gametes
- Cell specialisation and adaptation
- combination of genes and the environment
- Determine phenotype
- DNA and mutation
- environment
- Environmental change and allele frequency
- Environmental variation
Using Genetic variation in the exam
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