Causes Of Genetic Mutations

Question 1

What are 3 mechanisms that generate different types of genetic mutations

Answer 1

• point mutations
• frameshift mutations
• chromosomal mutation

Question 2

Identify 4 causes of spontaneous mutations

Answer 2

• mutagens
• radiation ☢️
• smoking 🚬
• infectious agents

Question 3

Define mutation

Answer 3

A sudden change in a genetic trait/ a change in the genetic sequence

Question 4

Define mutagen

Answer 4

An external agent that, when applied to cells or organisms can increase rate or mutation.

Question 5

Somatic mutation

Answer 5

Any alteration at the cellular level in somatic tissues occurring after fertilisation

Somatic means ‘of the body’

Question 6

Mutations provide _____ variation

Answer 6

mutations provide ALLELIC variation

Question 7

Type of mutation: genomic change

Answer 7

involves loss or gain of whole chromosomes (aneuploidy) giving rise to e.g. monosomy/ trisomy

Question 8

Type of mutation: chromosomal change/ rearrangements

Answer 8

Result from rearrangement of genetic material to give rise to visible structural changes in the chromosome (e.g. translocation)

Question 9

Type of mutation: gene mutations

Answer 9

Vast majority of genetic changes are single base pair changes or changes of a small number of base pairs