Question

How does molecular genetics support evolution?

Answer 1

Molecular genetics refers to the branch of biology that deals with the study of genetic material on a molecular level. It is the study of how DNA and proteins are transferred from one generation to another on a molecular basis of inheritance. Evolution is the process or progress of life from abiotic level to highly sophisticated one. It is the gradual growth of life as a whole with fittest once surviving and procreating.

Complete Answer:
To know how molecular genetics support evolution, we need to know what is genetics and what is its importance. So, we all are familiar with children acquiring certain traits from parents or grandparents , may it be facial features or behavioural. What is the basis for this? It is The Gene. DNA or RNA are the genetic material that has genes or series of nitrogen bases on them. They are transferred through reproduction. Now, let us talk about evolution. What is meant by evolution? It is nothing but the growth and procreation of life forms. Sometimes, due to changes in environment or genes, a completely new species is born out of old ones. This is to ensure that life goes on.
We all might have talked about Darwin’s Theory of survival of the fittest. It tells that only the fit ones survive and the rest have to get extinct. This is where molecular genetics comes into picture. If the DNA or genetic material undergoes any change which is called mutation, which is beneficial for the organism or the survival rates are high, then most likely that gene will be transferred to the next generation. This is because it increases the rate of survival of the species and prevents it from going extinct.

Note:
The term molecular biology was coined by Warren Weaver and he brought the approach to physical and chemical approaches to the field of natural biology to study different life processes and observe the technicalities that are happening in the living beings where chemicals are integral messengers and physical laws are followed.