bio 3201 unit 2b yellow

Mutagen

A substance or event that increases the rate of mutation in an organism.

Spontaneous mutations

Mutations caused by molecular interactions that naturally occur within cells.

Induced mutations

Mutations caused by agents outside the cell.

Physical mutagens

Mutagens that cause physical changes in the structure of DNA.

Chemical mutagens

Molecules that can enter the nucleus of a cell and induce mutations by reacting chemically with the DNA.

Genomics

The study of entire genomes, including the interactions among multiple genes.

DNA sequencing

The process of identifying the precise nucleotide sequence of a DNA fragment.

Human Genome Project (HGP)

A project completed in 2003 to determine the complete sequence of the human genome and identify all genes.

Epigenetics

The process where genes respond to changes in the environment through epigenetic tagging, regulating gene expression without changing the nucleotide sequence.

Public Benefits of Genetic Research

Potential benefits include tailored drug development, understanding drug responses, and predicting risks and diagnosing medical conditions.

Ownership of Genetic Information

The debate over who owns genetic information, whether it is a natural resource belonging to everyone or an individual's private property, and the balance between public and private ownership in genetic research.