D1.3: Mutation and Gene Editing

Question 1

Define mutation.

Question 2

Distinguish between base substitution, insertion and deletion mutations.

Question 3

Compare the impact of base substitution mutation in coding and noncoding sequences of DNA.

Question 4

Outline the impact of genetic code degeneracy on the effect of mutations.

Question 5

Distinguish between same-sense, nonsense and mis-sense base substitution mutations.

Question 6

Define “frameshift” mutation.

Question 7

Outline the consequences of insertions and deletions on polypeptide structure and function.

Question 8

Outline causes of gene mutation.

Question 9

Define mutagen.

Question 10

Discuss the impact of randomness of gene mutations.

Question 11

State that no natural mechanism is known for making a deliberate change to a DNA sequence.

Question 12

Distinguish between germ cells and somatic cells.

Question 13

Compare the consequences of a germ cell versus somatic cell mutation.

Question 14

Define genetic variation.

Question 15

State the source of new alleles of a gene.

Question 16

State that gene mutation is the original source of all genetic variation.

Question 17

Distinguish between beneficial, neutral and harmful gene mutations.

Question 18

State the function of gene knockout studies.

Question 19

Outline the method scientists use to “knockout” genes.

Question 20

Describe the process of gene editing using CRISPR Cas9.

Question 21

Outline uses of CRISPR Cas9 gene editing.

Question 22

Outline the ethical implications of gene editing.

Question 23

Define “conserved sequence” of DNA.

Question 24

List common examples of the products coded for by conserved sequences of DNA.

Question 25

State two hypotheses that account for conserved sequences between species.