This is the point mutations begin to fail as a reason for species evolution. Most mutations with nuclear DNA are deleterious in their effects and not helpful to survival (Biology 101}. To overcome this it has been proposed from a "thought" experiment suggesting once a population becomes large enough after a great deal of time selected mutations favorable to survival "could" occur.
>See comments below:
Recessive genes are behind mutations and inherited traits.
>Huh? ...well sometimes, sorta... but there's so much more!
... There is a modest change of molecular formation from a recessive gene, initiated by mutation from recombination, but it will always basically be the same molecular structure of the combining genes. If that molecular struction in some wat is significantly changed it will never interact with its counterpart on the DNA strand. This is a result of disparity of covalence with particles at the atomic level by attraction and repulsion forces.
>Very good understanding of the P.Chem. involved. But the possibility of another (different, novel) substrate (counterpart) being complimentary is not mentioned. What about that much more important aspect?
...This is why mutaions of replicating DNA is so inhospitalable. The only way a DNA strand can evolve from a single cell conaining a very tiny piece of DNA to one as large as a human's is through gene "creation" within a nucleus that "builds" all the rungs and tethered genes of the ladder of the representing DNA. New genes and chromosomes would have to be manufactured and migrate to,let's ssy, to one end of the ladder or the other beginning a new rung. ...
>Well, that's much too oversimplied of a description. See my "dictionary analogy" below:
All of these points above explain why you have the view that you do.
I'd suggest the "Endless Forms..." video (see post at top of this page) to get the basics relating to your points, quoted above. Essentially one should think of genes as a tool box--each tool able to perform different functions at different times (in different forms), and able to take on new functions as opportunities present.
Your take on genetics is like looking at a dictionary and not comprehending how a great novel could be created.
Evolution rearranges words and phrases--even whole chapters at times--and is not just starting with a dictionary and trying to create "Pride & Prejudice" by changing single letters one-at-a-time.
Watch the video; you'll see:
http://www.researchchannel.org/prog/displayevent.aspx?rID=3229&fID=345"....The second revolution in biology was triggered by discoveries in genetics. Genetic variation, selection, and time combine to fuel the evolutionary process. The action of selection is now visible in DNA, both in preventing injurious changes and in favoring advantageous changes in traits."
