Genetic variation comes from several sources. Genetic variation comes from two main sources: mutation and recombination. â¢ Mutation A mutation is a random change in the DNA of a gene. This change can form a new allele. Mutations in reproductive cells can be passed on to offspring. This increases the genetic variation in the gene pool.
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a broad, thick band that runs down the inner part of the knee, from the femur (thighbone) to about four to six inches from the top of the tibia (shinbone).The MCL's primary function is to prevent the leg from over-extending inward, but it also is part of the mechanism that stabilizes the knee and allows it to ...
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee: The knee joint is surrounded by a joint capsule with ligaments strapping the inside and outside of the joint (collateral ligaments) as well as crossing within the joint (cruciate ligaments). These ligaments provide stability and strength to the knee joint. The medial collateral ligament of the knee is on the inner side of the joint, as indicated here: The meniscus is a c-shaped cartilage pad between the two joints formed by the femur and tibia. The meniscus acts as a smooth surface for the joint to move on.