Mutations and Repair

MGI 301

mutation

change in a genome base sequence as opposed to wildtype

nucleotide base analogs

chemical mutagen that is structurally similar to DNA bases

reversions

mutations that restore a genotype by restoring reading frame back to normal

point mutation

mutation of a single base pair, or the insertion/deletion of one base pair

missense mutation

type of point mutation that leads to a different amino acid being produced

spontaneous mutation

mutations that occur naturally

frameshift mutations

mutations characterized by insertions or deletions of bases within a coding region

nonsense mutation

type of point mutation that leads to the creation of a premature stop codon

silent mutation

type of point mutation that changes the codon sequence but does not lead to an amino acid change, not impacting the protein

mutagen

anything that causes mutations at a rate higher than normal

wild-type

represents the original genetic makeup of a series, shows its normal phenotype and physiological traits, and serves as a reference for comparing mutants or genetically modified strains

induced mutations

mutagens that occur through unnatural means such as human gene manipulation, chemicals, and radiation

intercalating agents

chemical mutagens that can bind between DNA bases, causing DNA polymerase to insert incorrect bases

chemical modification of DNA bases

mutations stemming from changes to DNA including alkylation, nitrosation, and hydroxylation