Genetic diversity can arise as a result of mutation or during meiosis.

Question 1

What is a mutation?

Answer 1

An alteration to the DNA base sequence. Often arise spontaneously during DNA replication.

Question 2

Why might a mutation not lead to a change in the amino acid sequence?

Answer 2

• Genetic code is degenerate so mutation may end up coding for same amino acid as the original triplet.
• Mutation may occur in intron.

Question 3

What is a substitution mutation?

Answer 3

When a nucleotide in the DNA sequence is replaced by another. This is more likely to be a quiet mutation, meaning no change occurs in the amino acid sequence.

Question 4

What is a deletion mutation?

Answer 4

When a nucleotide in the DNA sequence is lost. This is more likely to be harmful and significant, as it leads to a frame shift which means the entire amino acid sequence will be different.

Question 5

What is a mutagenic agent? Give examples of this.

Answer 5

Factors that increase the rate of gene mutation. X-rays, UV light, gamma rays, certain chemicals e.g., in alcohol and tobacco.

Question 6

What is a polyploidy chromosome mutation?

Answer 6

Where an individual has three or more sets of chromosomes instead of two.

Question 7

What is chromosome non-disjunction?

Answer 7

When chromosomes fail to separate correctly in meiosis, resulting in gametes with one more or less chromosome than normal.

Question 8

What is meiosis?

Answer 8

A form of cell division that produces four genetically different haploid cells (cells with half the number of chromosomes found in the parent cell) known as gametes.

Question 9

How does meiosis differ from mitosis?

Answer 9

• Meiosis produces four genetically different cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cells.
• Mitosis produces two genetically identical cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cells.

Question 10

What happens during meiosis I?

Answer 10

1. Homologous chromosomes pair to form bivalents.
2. Crossing over (exchange of sections of genetic material) occurs at chiasmata.
3. Cell divides into two. Homologous chromosomes separate normally. Each cell contains either maternal or paternal copy.

Question 11

What happens in meiosis II?

Answer 11

1. Independent segregation of sister chromatids.
2. Each cell divides again, producing 4 haploid cells.

Question 12

Give two ways meiosis produces genetic variation.

Answer 12

1. Crossing over in meiosis I.
2. Independent assortment (random segregation) of homologous chromosomes & sister chromatids.
   Result in new combinations of alleles.