Genetics Lecture: Types of Mutations and Population Inheritance

Vocabulary flashcards covering codon mutation categories, dominant versus recessive inheritance dynamics, and genealogical population concepts from the lecture.

Silent Mutation

A mutation within a protein-coding region (such as TTC changing to TTT at the wobble position) that still codes for the same amino acid (lysine) and has no effect on protein function.

Wobble Position

The last position in a codon where nucleotide substitutions frequently code for the exact same amino acid.

Missense Mutation

A single point mutation in a codon (such as TTC changing to TCC or TGC) that alters the amino acid produced to a different one, such as arginine or threonine.

Nonsense Mutation

A mutation that changes an amino acid-encoding codon into a stop codon (such as TTC to ATC), leading to a truncated protein missing the rest of its sequence.

Early Nonsense Mutation

A nonsense mutation occurring near the beginning of a gene sequence, which is typically catastrophic and destroys the function of that gene.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation caused by the insertion or deletion of a number of base pairs that is not a multiple of three (such as $1$ or $2$ base pairs), shifting the reading frame and resulting in non-functional protein sequence.

Wild Type Allele

The standard, non-mutated form of a gene or allele present in a population.

Dominant Mutation

A mutation whose phenotypic trait is expressed in a heterozygote with only one mutant copy, allowing natural selection to act on it immediately.

Recessive Mutation

A mutation whose effect on phenotype is masked in a heterozygote by a wild type allele, requiring an individual to be homozygous for the trait to be expressed.

De Novo Mutation

A new spontaneous mutation arising in a generation (estimated at approximately $200$ per individual) that was not inherited from either parent.

Recessive Lethal Mutation

A harmful recessive mutation that causes death if inherited in a homozygous state, with typical individuals carrying $1$ to $2$ of these mutations.

Founder Effect

A genetic phenomenon occurring when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, resulting in high genetic relatedness and shared recessive traits among descendants.

Battle of Linlithgow Bridge

A historical battle fought $500$ years ago over control of 14-year-old King James V, resulting in $3,000$ deaths in one day on a field outside Linlithgow.