DNA mutation

Question 1

mutation

Answer 1

permanent change in the sequence of the nucleotides that make up a gene

Question 2

submicroscopic

Answer 2

1 base pair

Question 3

microscopic

Answer 3

an entire chromosome

Question 4

hereditary (germline) mutation

Answer 4

inherited from a parent

Question 5

acquired (sporadic) mutation

Answer 5

happens in life and occurs in the DNA of individual cells

somatic cells: not passed down to offspring
gametes: might be passed down

Question 6

cause of mutation

Answer 6

• errors in DNA replication (spontaneous)
• exposure to mutagens (induced), physical (UV radiation), chemical or biological (certain viruses or bacteria)

Question 7

effect of mutation

Answer 7

• (loss function) causes proteins to partially (hypomorph) or totally (amorph) lose their function
• (gain of function) acquires a new hypermorphic function
• (lethal) occurring in vital proteins that can’t handle a loss of function