Discuss protein synthesis and the various ways that biological variation can (and does) occur within the individual organism during this process.​

Protein synthesis is the process by which cells build proteins. It involves two main stages: transcription and translation. During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is copied into a molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA). This mRNA then travels to the ribosomes, where the process of translation takes place. During translation, the mRNA is read by ribosomes, and the information is used to assemble a specific sequence of amino acids, which form a protein.

Biological variation can occur during protein synthesis in several ways within an individual organism. One way is through mutations in the DNA sequence. Mutations can occur spontaneously or as a result of exposure to mutagens such as radiation or certain chemicals. These mutations can change the sequence of amino acids in a protein, leading to a different protein being produced. This can have a range of effects, from no noticeable change to a protein that is completely non-functional.

Another way biological variation can occur during protein synthesis is through alternative splicing. In eukaryotic cells, genes are often composed of exons and introns. During transcription, the introns are removed and the exons are spliced together to form the final mRNA. However, alternative splicing allows different combinations of exons to be spliced together, resulting in different mRNA molecules and ultimately different proteins being produced from the same gene.

Additionally, variations in the regulation of gene expression can lead to biological variation during protein synthesis. The rate at which a gene is transcribed and translated can be influenced by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, hormonal signals, and the presence of specific regulatory proteins. These factors can lead to differences in the amount of protein produced, as well as the timing and location of its production within the organism.

In conclusion, biological variation can occur during protein synthesis through mutations in the DNA sequence, alternative splicing, and variations in gene expression regulation. These variations can lead to differences in the proteins produced by an individual organism, contributing to the diversity and complexity of living organisms.