If the nucleotide variability of a locus equals 0%, what is the gene variability and number of alleles at that locus? a. gene variability=0%; number of alleles=0 b. gene variability=0%; number of alleles=1 c. gene variability=0%; number of alleles=2 d. gene variability>0%; number of alleles=2

Key Concepts

Nucleotide Variability

Nucleotide variability refers to the degree of variation in the nucleotide sequences among individuals at a specific locus. A variability of 0% indicates that all individuals have identical sequences at that locus, suggesting no genetic diversity. This concept is crucial for understanding how genetic variation contributes to overall gene variability.

Gene Variability

Gene variability is a measure of the genetic diversity within a population, often quantified by the number of different alleles present at a locus. If nucleotide variability is 0%, it implies that there is no variation in the alleles, leading to a gene variability of 0%. This concept helps in assessing the potential for evolutionary change within a population.

Alleles

Alleles are different versions of a gene that arise through mutation and can exist at a specific locus. The number of alleles at a locus is directly related to genetic diversity; if nucleotide variability is 0%, it indicates that there is only one allele present. Understanding alleles is essential for interpreting genetic variation and its implications for population genetics.