1. Fundamental Molecular Biology Flashcards
What is a mutation?
A change in the nucleotide sequence of a gene or a chromosome.
When is a mutation heritable?
When it arises in the germ line cells.
When is a mutation not heritable?
When it arises in the Soma.
What is the Soma?
The part of an organism other than the reproductive cells.
What is the Germ line?
Reproductive cells that are passed onto the next generation.
What does evolution require?
Genetic variation generated by sex and by spontaneous mutation.
What can cause mutation rate to increase?
Increasing amount of DNA damage.
Decreased rate of repair.
How can mutations be induced?
With chemical mutagens or radiation.
What is a silent point mutation?
The change has no effect on the protein produced.
What is a nonsense point mutation?
When a protein code is changed to a Stop codon.
What is a missense point mutation?
The change causes a different protein to be produced.
What is a frame-shift Mutation?
Addition or subtraction of a single base pair which causes the whole sequence to change.
What is a phenotype?
The outward, physical manifestation of the organism that is coded for by the genotype and influenced by the environment.
What is a genotype?
Stored information in genes and DNA that is used as a blueprint for building and maintaining a living creature.
Why are most mutations recessive?
Because it is easier to damage DNA than make it work better or differently.
