Genetic Mutations

These flashcards cover key vocabulary, definitions, and concepts related to genetic mutations as discussed in the lecture notes.

Mutation

A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA.

Point Mutation

A mutation that replaces one base in the template strand of DNA with another.

Silent Mutation

A point mutation that does not change the amino acid.

Deletion Mutation

A mutation where a base is deleted from the normal order of bases in the template strand of DNA.

Insertion Mutation

A mutation where a base is inserted into the normal order of bases in the template strand of DNA.

Mutagens

Agents that cause mutations, such as radiation and chemicals.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins that may be altered due to mutations.

Primary Structure of a Protein

The sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Biological Activity

The activity that a protein maintains in order to function properly.

mRNA

Messenger RNA that provides instructions for the correct series of amino acids in a protein.

Nucleotide Sequence

The order of nucleotides in a DNA strand.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides that encodes for an amino acid.

Radiation

A type of mutagen that can cause changes in DNA.

Chemical Mutagens

Substances that can induce mutations in DNA.

Genetic defect

An abnormality in a person's DNA that may result in a disease or condition.

Cell Survival

Cells may not survive if mutations severely alter proteins or enzymes.

Enzyme Activity

The ability of enzymes to catalyze reactions, which can be affected by mutations.

Protein Structure

The arrangement of amino acids that determine the function of a protein.

Effects of Mutations

Changes that may occur in the primary structure and biological activity of proteins.

Cytidine (C)

A nucleotide that can be introduced in a point mutation.

Adenosine (A)

A nucleotide that can be involved in deletion mutations.

Amino Acid Sequence

The order of amino acids in a protein that is coded by DNA.

Template Strand of DNA

The strand of DNA that serves as a model for synthesis of mRNA.

Biochemical Reactions

Processes that may be disrupted due to mutations in proteins.

Accumulation of Substances

The build-up of materials in cells that can result from enzymatic failure.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of DNA and RNA.

Genetic Material

DNA or RNA that carries genetic information.

Protein Folding

The process by which a protein achieves its functional shape.

Mutational Effects

The impact that mutations have on the function and structure of proteins.

Disease Condition

Health issues that may arise due to mutations in genes.

Mutational Types

Categories of mutations including point, deletion, and insertion.

Peptide Chain

A sequence of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

Template Base

The specific base in the DNA strand that guides mRNA synthesis.

Codon Change

Alteration in codons due to mutations that can affect protein synthesis.

Biological Functions

The various roles that proteins play in living organisms.

mRNA Instructions

Guidance from mRNA for synthesizing proteins.

Mutation Types Classification

The system of categorizing mutations based on their effects on DNA.

Point Mutation Example

Change from TGA in DNA to TAA, altering amino acids.

DNA Sequence Integrity

The correctness of the DNA base order that is crucial for proper function.