2.5 - Mutation

Question 1

What is a mutation?

Answer 1

A random change in genetic material of a gene or chromosome. Sometimes can be inherited.

Question 2

What are the possible causes of mutations?

Answer 2

Ionising radiation ( the greater the dose of radiation a cell gets = greater chance of mutations to occur) 
Chemicals mutagens (e.g. tar from cigarette smoke)

Question 3

What are the effects of mutations?

Answer 3

May be neutral mutated gene may work the same as normal gene)
Beneficial - some mutations may give immunity against other diseases
Harmful - change in gene could produce a faulty, non - functioning protein

Question 4

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Answer 4

Inherited disorder that creates thick, sticky mucus. It effects lungs and pancreas. Caused by a recessive allele.

Question 5

What is gene therapy?

Answer 5

It involves inserting copies of a normal allele into the chromosomes of an individual who carries the faulty cystic fibrosis allele.

Question 6

Explain the process of gene therapy?

Answer 6

1) cutting out the normal allele - special enzymes are used to do this
2) making copies of the allele
3) putting copies of the normal allele into the cells of a person who has the disorder

Question 7

What are the potential problems of gene therapy?

Answer 7

The alleles may join with the chromosomes in random places so they don’t work properly
The alleles may not go into every targeted cell
Treated cells may be replaced naturally by patients own untreated cells

Question 8

What other methods can you use to get alleles into patients cells?

Answer 8

Using liposome, fat droplets in nose sprays
Using cold viruses that are modified to carry the allele - viruses go into the cells and infect them
Direct injection of DNA

Question 9

What are the issues of gene therapy?

Answer 9

Expensive.
If successful it only works for a period of time.
Religious groups are against it.
It offers hope to patients life - not guaranteed.