6.7 - 6.8 Mutations and Biotechnology Flashcards
What are mutations?
Mutations are changes in the genetic material of a cell that can alter phenotypes.
What is the primary source of genetic variation?
Mutations are the primary source of genetic variation.
What can disruptions in normal function cause?
Disruptions can cause new phenotypes.
What are the two types of mutations based on scale?
Mutations can be classified as large scale (chromosomal changes) or small scale (nucleotide substitutions, insertions, or deletions).
What are point mutations?
Point mutations change a single nucleotide pair of a gene.
What is a substitution mutation?
A substitution is the replacement of one nucleotide and its partner with another pair of nucleotides.
What is a silent mutation?
A silent mutation changes the nucleotide sequence but still codes for the same amino acid.
What is a missense mutation?
A missense mutation results in a different amino acid.
What is a conservative missense mutation?
A conservative missense mutation results in a new amino acid that is structurally similar to the original.
What is a nonconservative missense mutation?
A nonconservative missense mutation results in a new amino acid that is structurally different from the original.
What is a nonsense mutation?
A nonsense mutation results in a stop codon.
What is a frameshift mutation?
A frameshift mutation alters the reading frame of genetic information by adding or removing nucleotides.
What is nondisjunction?
Nondisjunction occurs when chromosomes do not separate properly in meiosis, leading to an incorrect number of chromosomes.
What is an example of a condition caused by nondisjunction?
Down Syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is an example of a condition caused by nondisjunction.
What is translocation in genetics?
Translocation is when a segment of one chromosome moves to another chromosome.
What are the effects of mutations on natural selection?
Mutations are subject to natural selection, and genetic changes can enhance survival and reproduction.
What is transformation in prokaryotes?
Transformation is the uptake of DNA from the environment by prokaryotes.
What is transduction?
Transduction is the viral transmission of genetic material.
What is conjugation?
Conjugation is the cell-to-cell transfer of DNA via pili.
What is transposition?
Transposition is the movement of DNA segments within or between DNA molecules.
What is gel electrophoresis?
Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments by size.
How does gel electrophoresis work?
DNA is loaded into wells on a gel, and an electric current is applied, causing DNA fragments to move towards the positive electrode.
What is PCR?
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method used to make several copies of a specific DNA segment.
What is DNA sequencing?
DNA sequencing is the process of determining the order of nucleotides in DNA.
What is bacterial transformation?
Bacterial transformation is the process where bacteria take up foreign DNA.
What role do restriction enzymes play in bacterial transformation?
Restriction enzymes cut target DNA sequences, creating sticky ends for ligation into plasmids.
What is the significance of antibiotic selection in bacterial transformation?
Bacteria with a plasmid are antibiotic-resistant, allowing for selection on antibiotic plates.
What is the focus of genetic engineering techniques?
Genetic engineering techniques are used to analyze and manipulate DNA and RNA.
