Genetics: Mutations

SNPs

single nucleotide polymorphisms, differences in DNA cuased by point mutations

Types of small scale/point mutations

Missense, Silent, Nonsense, Frameshift

Missence muation

a single nucleotide is changed, resulting in the coding of a diff amino acid

Silent mutation

when a single nucleotide is changed but the amino acid stays the same

Nonsense mutation

sigle nucleotdie is changed that reuslts in an early stop codon

Frameshift mutation

single nucleotide is deleted or inserted

Large scale mutations

Involves multiple nucleotides, entire genes or reigons of chromosmes

Duplication/Amplification

Segments of chromosomes are copied, allows for new functions to evolve while keeping og function

Deletion

Entire coding reigons removed

Translocation

Movement of entire genes or segments of chromseomes move from one chromosome to another

Transposable elemetns

spcefic DNA sequences that can change their postion for a genome, can disrupt or enhance genetic expressions

Inversion

Portions of DNA molecules reverses direction, gene can be comporomised if break happens in the middle of a codon

Causes of genetic mutations

spontantoues mutaions caused by erros in DNA replication. Induced muations are caused by an environmental agent (mutagen)

Chemical mutagens

Any chemical agent that can chemically alter DNA structure, can also mimick a DNA nucleotide, causing a mutation

Uv RADIATION

• UV radiation - causes bonds to form between adjacent nucleotides 

• Leads to certain types of skin cancer

• Simple answer: sun. screen

Physical Sunscreen

Common active ingredients: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide

Reflect UV rays, like a shield

needs to be reapplyed as it can be washed off

Chemical Sunscreen

Common active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, etc.

Absorb UV rays before skin absorbs UV rays, like a sponge