Bio- Mutations

What are the two main categories of mutations?

Gene mutations and Chromosomal mutations.

What is a gene mutation?

A change in a single nucleotide, also known as a point mutation.

What are the three types of point mutations?

Insertion, deletion, and substitution.

What happens during a substitution mutation?

One base is changed to a different one.

What occurs during an insertion mutation?

A single extra base is added into the genetic code.

What happens during a deletion mutation?

A single base is removed from the genetic code.

What is a chromosomal mutation?

A mutation involving a change in the structure or number of chromosomes.

What are the four types of chromosomal mutations?

Deletion, duplication, inversion, and translocation.

What is a deletion in chromosomal mutations?

One section of a chromosome is removed.

What is duplication in chromosomal mutations?

More genetic material is added to a chromosome.

What is inversion in chromosomal mutations?

A section of a chromosome reverses direction.

What is translocation in chromosomal mutations?

Part of a chromosome breaks off and attaches to another chromosome.

What are the possible effects of mutations?

They can harm, help, or have no effect on the organism.

What is a mutagen?

A chemical or physical agent in the environment that can cause mutations.

What are the most harmful mutations?

Those that dramatically change protein structure or gene activity.

Can mutations ever be beneficial?

Yes, they can produce proteins with new or altered functions that may be useful in changing environments.

Give an example of a harmful mutation.

Sickle cell mutation, which affects the shape of red blood cells.