DNA mutations and Analysis

Question 1

What are germline mutations?

Answer 1

Inherited mutations of gametes

Question 2

What are Somatic mutations?

Answer 2

Mutations in cells that won’t be passed to future generations

Question 3

What are Silent mutations?

Answer 3

Small mutations that don’t result in major harm, e.g. one amino acid change that still codes for the right amino acid

Question 4

What are Missense mutations?

Answer 4

The correct amino acid is replaced with an incorrect amino acid

Question 5

What are Nonsense mutations?

Answer 5

Mutations that result with a correct amino acid being replaced with a stop sequence, stopping the protein production prematurely.

Question 6

What are frameshifts?

Answer 6

One base is deleted or added which changes the whole sequence.

Question 7

What is the primary function of PCR?

Answer 7

To produce large amount of DNA from small amounts.

Question 8

What is the function of Gel electrophoresis?

Answer 8

DNA fragments are separated by a magnetic field so we can visualise them to spot similarities.

Question 9

What is RFLP?

Answer 9

DNA is cut into fragments and then analysed with Gel Electrophoresis

Question 10

What is ARMS?

Answer 10

Normal and mutant primers are used with sample strands of DNA to see if there is replication. If mutant primers anneal, then it has a mutation. Needs electrophoresis.

Question 11

What are 4 common examples of DNA analysis?

Answer 11

PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, RFLP and ARMS