Mutations in DNA

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to mutations in DNA as discussed in the lecture.

Mutation

A change in the sequence of bases in DNA.

Mutagen

An agent which causes genetic mutations.

Frameshift Mutation

An insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotides in DNA sequence.

Point Mutation

A mutation where one nucleotide is replaced with a different nucleotide.

Silent Mutation

A point mutation that results in a triplet coding for the same amino acid, causing no effect on the protein.

Missense Mutation

A point mutation that results in a different amino acid, potentially changing the protein's functionality.

Nonsense Mutation

A substitution mutation that creates a premature stop codon, leading to a truncated and likely nonfunctional protein.

Frameshift Mutation Effects

Can cause drastic changes to the reading frame and subsequent amino acids, usually having severe consequences.

Somatic Cells

Any body cell other than gametes; mutations here can be passed to daughter cells.

Sex Cells (Gametes)

Sperm or eggs; mutations here can be passed on to the zygote and every subsequent cell of the organism.