[23] Mutagenesis Flashcards
What is mutagenesis?
It’s the process by which the genetic information of an organism is changed, resulting in a mutation.
What are the two types of mutagenesis?
- Site-directed mutagenesis
- Random mutagenesis
What is site-directed mutagenesis?
A method used to make specific and intentional changes to the DNA sequence of a gene.
What is random mutagenesis?
A process by which random mutations are introduced into a DNA sequence.
What are the applications of mutagenesis?
- Studying gene function
- Developing disease models
- Creating organisms with desirable traits
What is a point mutation?
A type of mutation where a single nucleotide base is changed, inserted, or deleted.
What are the three types of point mutations?
- Missense mutation
- Nonsense mutation
- Silent mutation
What is a missense mutation?
A type of point mutation where one DNA base pair is changed, resulting in a different amino acid.
What is a nonsense mutation?
A point mutation where a codon that specifies an amino acid is changed into a stop codon.
What is a silent mutation?
A point mutation where a DNA base pair is changed, but the altered codon still codes for the same amino acid.
What is an insertion mutation?
A mutation where one or more nucleotides are added to a DNA sequence.
What is a deletion mutation?
A mutation where one or more nucleotides are removed from a DNA sequence.
What is a frameshift mutation?
A type of mutation caused by insertions or deletions, where the number of DNA bases is not a multiple of three.
What is a conditional mutation?
A mutation that produces a phenotype under certain environmental conditions.
What is a lethal mutation?
A mutation that results in a phenotype capable of causing the death of an organism.
What is a suppressor mutation?
A mutation that reverses the effect of a previously existing mutation in a different location.
What is an induced mutation?
A mutation that results from exposure to certain physical or chemical agents called mutagens.
What is a spontaneous mutation?
A mutation that arises naturally and not as a result of exposure to mutagens.
What are mutagens?
Agents, such as radiation or chemicals, that can induce or increase the frequency of mutation in organisms.
What is a reverse mutation (reversion)?
A second mutation event that restores the original sequence and hence the original phenotype.
