Molecular Evolution: Mutations and Genetic Diversity

This lecture covers the molecular mechanisms of evolution, focusing on mutations, genetic diversity, and horizontal gene transfer. Topics include the effects of point mutations, insertions/deletions, and transposable elements. The instructor discusses how errors during replication and exposure to mutagens can lead to genetic variations, promoting disease emergence. The lecture also explores homologous recombination as a key process for genetic rearrangement and evolution. Additionally, the mechanisms of horizontal DNA transfer, such as transformation, transduction, and conjugation, are explained. Various defense mechanisms against foreign DNA and error correction during replication are highlighted.