Mutations & Stem Cell Technology & Cloning

Mutation

Caused by a permanent change to the DNA of a cell

Harmless Mutations

-Changes to non-coding DNA (98.5% of DNA)

-does not affect structure/functioning of cell

i.e. freckles, blonde hair, baldness

Mutation

Caused by a permanent change to the DNA of a cell

Harmless Mutations

-Changes to non-coding DNA (98.5% of DNA)

-does not affect structure/functioning of cell

i.e. freckles, blonde hair, baldness

Harmful Mutations

-Changes to DNA responsible for production of a specific protein

-Causes changes to physical appearance/functioning due to incorrect protein produced

-may cause genetic disorders

Useful Mutations

-Changes to DNA responsible for production of a specific protein

-if mutation increases organism’s chance of survival

Gene Mutations

Occur during DNA replication when base pair(s) are added, left out or doubled

Sem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that can grow into any tissue

-obtained from embryos, bone marrow, umbilical cord

Embryonic Stem Cells

-Obtained from embryos

-Controversial since embryos are destroyed during harvesting

-can differentiate into all specialised cells

i.e. blood, skin, intestinal tissues

Adult Stem Cells

-Obtained from umbilical cord & bone marrow

-Repairs specific tissues only

i.e. bone marrow has been used to treat blood cancers, Leukemia

Cloning

-Type of genetic engineering

-A process of creating a genetically identical copy of an organism