Mutations & Genetic Variation

Amino Acid

The monomer that makes up proteins

Deletion

A piece of DNA code is lost

Gene Mutations

Mutations that produce changes in a single gene

Insertion (addition)

An extra piece of DNA is added

Mutagens

Agents in the environment that can change DNA

Mutations

Changes in genetic material

Protein

Organic molecule made of amino acids of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen that provides structure and support

Substitution (Point Mutation)

Changes one base to another

Amniocentesis

Procedure that can be done during pregnancy to look for birth defects and genetic problems in the baby

Chromosomal Mutations

Mutations that change whole chromosomes (lots of genes)

Gametes

Sex cells

Karyotype

Pictures of chromosomes in a dividing cell arranged in order of size

Nondisjunction

When homologous chromosomes fail to separate during anaphase in meiosis

Trisomy

When there is one extra chromosome