The following is a diagram of nucleotides - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 34 - 2010 - Paper 1

Component Z represents the sugar molecule. In DNA, this sugar is deoxyribose, which lacks one oxygen atom compared to ribose, the sugar found in RNA. This difference in sugar structure contributes to the overall stability and function of DNA and RNA.

Highly variable genes, also known as microsatellites or short tandem repeats (STRs), are used in DNA fingerprinting by analyzing the varying lengths of these sequences among individuals. Since these regions mutate rapidly and differ between individuals, they serve as excellent markers for identification purposes in forensic science, paternity testing, and genetic diversity studies.

Germ line mutations are passed from parents to offspring and can lead to heritable changes within a species. These mutations can result in variations that may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful. Over time, beneficial mutations may contribute to evolution and adaptation, while harmful mutations can lead to genetic disorders or decreased population fitness.

Transposable genetic elements, or transposons, can move within the genome and disrupt normal gene function, potentially causing mutations. They contribute to genetic diversity and evolution by facilitating recombination and horizontal gene transfer. However, their movements can also lead to instability in the genome, possibly resulting in diseases or developmental issues.