Mutations and Gene Expression

Flashcards covering key concepts related to mutations and gene expression.

Mutation

A change in DNA/genes.

Somatic Cells

Body cells such as skin, liver, and muscle.

Gamete Cells

Reproductive cells, specifically egg and sperm.

Spontaneous Mutations

Mutations that occur naturally due to errors in DNA replication.

Induced Mutations

Mutations caused by external factors, known as mutagens.

Point Mutation

A mutation that involves a change in a single nucleotide.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation caused by insertion or deletion of nucleotides that shifts the reading frame.

Nonsense Mutation

A mutation that introduces a premature stop codon in the protein sequence.

Missense Mutation

A mutation that results in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein.

Silent Mutation

A mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein.

Insertion Mutation

A mutation where extra nucleotides are added to the DNA sequence.

Deletion Mutation

A mutation where nucleotides are removed from the DNA sequence.

Nondisjunction

An error in meiosis that results in the failure of homologous chromosomes to separate properly.

Crossing Over

Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Random Fertilization

The random combination of different gametes during fertilization leading to genetic variation.

Independent Assortment

The random arrangement of chromosomes during meiosis that results in genetic variation.