1.18 continued cuz

Question 1

What can increase the mutation rate?

Answer 1

• Ionising radiation
• Mutagenic chemicals
• Viruses

Ionising radiation removes electrons from atoms/molecules.

Mutagenic chemicals damage DNA structure.

Some viruses can damage host DNA, potentially leading to cancer (e.g., HPV).

Question 2

What is the effect of inheritable mutations on descendants?

Answer 2

Changes in characteristics of descendants

Inheritable mutations may provide survival benefits, which can lead to natural selection.

Question 3

How do mutations contribute to genetic variation?

Answer 3

They result in changes in genotypes of populations over time

An example is genetic variation in the human gene for blood type, leading to different phenotypes.

Question 4

What are somatic mutations?

Answer 4

Mutations in the genome of somatic cells

Somatic cells are all body cells other than germ cells. Consequences are localized and not inherited.

Question 5

What are germinal mutations?

Answer 5

Mutations in germ cells (reproductive cells)

Germline mutations are passed to offspring and may be expressed but do not change the phenotype of the original individual.

Question 6

True or False: Somatic mutations can be inherited by offspring.

Answer 6

False

Only mutations in germ cells can be passed to offspring.

Question 7

What is the primary difference between somatic and germinal mutations?

Answer 7

Somatic mutations are not inherited, germinal mutations are inherited

Somatic mutations affect only the individual, while germinal mutations can affect descendants.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: _______ mutations are passed on to offspring.

Answer 8

[Germinal]

Germinal mutations occur in germ cells and can be expressed in future generations.

Question 9

What are the potential consequences of mutations in germ cells?

Answer 9

They can be inherited and may affect the phenotype of offspring

Germinal mutations can lead to changes in traits seen in descendants.