Question

1. briefly explain how specific protein molecules change over many years resulting in evolution.

Explanation:

Protein evolution occurs via genetic mutations (in DNA coding for proteins) and natural selection. Mutations alter amino acid sequences of proteins. Over time, beneficial mutations (improving survival/reproduction) are retained, while harmful ones are eliminated. This leads to changes in protein structure/function, driving evolutionary adaptations. For example, cytochrome c (in energy metabolism) has accumulated mutations over millions of years, with more similar sequences in closely related species, reflecting shared ancestry and evolutionary divergence.

Answer:

Protein evolution involves genetic mutations (altering DNA - coded protein sequences) and natural selection. Mutations change amino acid sequences of proteins. Beneficial mutations (aiding survival/reproduction) are retained over generations, while harmful ones are eliminated. Over many years, these changes in protein structure/function drive evolutionary adaptations. For instance, cytochrome c shows sequence similarities in closely - related species, reflecting evolutionary divergence from a common ancestor.