Are random mutations truly random?

Question

Or are they just immeasurable? I mean I can flip a coin but the result won't be random. It'll depend on the force, trajectory, resistance, etc...

Answer 1

There are a lot of "random" things. For example, without knowing the physical variables involved, suppose I start throwing a pair of dice. You know that a "7" should eventually be rolled. You can even assume that a 7 of some sort should, on average, appear about once every 6 rolls. But there's no way of predicting, beforehand, on exactly which roll the 7 will come up.

In terms of quantum theory, the randomness is just that: pure randomness. There is a given set of possibilities, some of which are more probable than others, but it is entirely unknown which will be manifested. Furthermore, because any measurement of the factors immediately beforehand would influence the result, we cannot find any possible "link" to the results. It is impossible to predict in principle, not just merely as a result of technological limitations.

It depends on what causes the random mutations. If it's more like rolling dice, i.e., based purely on physical factors that could be measured and manipulated, it's an *unknown* result. If it's more like a quantum event, it's *unknowable.*

I think this question probably should've been in the science forums.

Answer 2

By that definition, nothing is random. In this context, we call the mutation "random" because there is no conscious force manipulating it. Throwing a die would be random because you aren't using a particular angle and power with your wrist in order to cast a 6 or a 1. Therefore, the result would be random. Same with mutations. Mutations don't appear where some conscious thing wants it to, it occurs due to a sum of environmental causes.

Answer 3

A random mutation occurs when the enzyme responsible for copying DNA "picks up" the wrong nucleotide. I don't think we know enough about all the reasons this can happen to truely give you a good answer. Any protein chemists out there who want to weigh in on this question?

Answer 4

Anyone who doesn't accept random behavior in molecules has no knowledge of quantum mechanics. See the Heisenberg Uncertainty principle.

True random behavior can even be seen under a microscope, in the form of Brownian motion.

This really should be under the science and mathematics area. You'd get a lot more people who understand QM.

Answer 5

Actually yes they are. Selection however is anything but random. It takes both mutation and selection for evolution to work.

Answer 6

No, they call them random because the scientist that discovered them was Dr. Eugene Random.

Answer 7

Nothing in nature is truly completely random.

Answer 8

I don't know, but here's a kid born with a tail.

http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=1569

Answer 9

There is no true random, only pseudo-random.

Answer 10

if you believe in that sort of thing, it also rests with fate