mutations

What is a mutation?

A mutation is any accidental change in the DNA sequence of nucleotide of a gene which is inherited by the next generation.

What is a wild allele?

A wild allele is the initial allele common in a population.

How are different alleles formed?

Different alleles are formed by mutations of the wild allele.

Are mutations in germline cells transmitted to offspring?

Yes, mutations in germline cells (gametes) can be transmitted to offspring.

What happens to mutations occurring in somatic cells?

Mutations that occur only in somatic cells are not transmitted to offspring.

What is trisomy?

Trisomy is a chromosomal mutation characterized by an extra chromosome.

What is monosomy?

Monosomy is a chromosomal mutation characterized by a missing chromosome.

What occurs in a point mutation by substitution?

A point mutation by substitution occurs when one nucleotide of a codon is replaced by another.

What are the three types of effects caused by gene mutations?

1. Missense: Change in 1 amino acid. 2. Silent: No change in the amino acid sequence. 3. Nonsense: Results in a stop codon.

What is the result of a deletion mutation?

A deletion mutation occurs when one nucleotide is deleted, causing a frameshift.

What is the result of an insertion mutation?

An insertion mutation occurs when one nucleotide is inserted, causing a frameshift.

What is a silent mutation?

A silent mutation is a mutation where the effect is silent, leading to no change in the phenotype.

What happens if a point mutation by substitution results in a silent effect?

If a point mutation by substitution is silent, the phenotype will not change.