Diversity, Classification and Variation- Mutations

Question 1

What do gene mutations involve?

Answer 1

A change in the DNA base sequence of chromosomes

Question 2

What is a substitution mutation?

Answer 2

One base is substituted with another

Question 3

What is a deletion mutation?

Answer 3

One base is deleted

Question 4

What does the order of DNA bases in a gene determine?

Answer 4

The order of amino acids in a particular protein so if a mutation occurs then the sequence of amino acids it codes for could be altered

Question 5

What does the degenerate nature of the genetic code mean?

Answer 5

Some amino acids are coded for by more than one DNA triplet

Question 6

Why will some substitution mutations still code for the same amino acid?

Answer 6

They won’t always to changes in the amino acid sequence

Question 7

What are mutagenic variations?

Answer 7

Things that can cause an increase in the rate of mutations

Question 8

What are some examples of mutagenic agents?

Answer 8

Ultraviolet radiation, ionising radiation, some chemicals and some viruses