Mutation

Question 1

Why does mutation happen?

Answer 1

• Radiation
• Chemical mutagens
  
  • Randomness

Question 2

What is the definition of mutagen

Answer 2

A chemical that increases the likeliness of mutation

Question 3

What does ionising radiation include?

Answer 3

Gamma rays, X-rays, and ultraviolet rays

Question 4

What does gene therapy involve?

Answer 4

Inserting copies of a normal allele into the chromosomes of an individual who carries the mutated allele

Question 5

What type of gene therapy is illegal?

Answer 5

To insert genes into sex cells

Question 6

What does gene therapy involve?

Answer 6

• cutting out the normal allele – special enzymes are used to do this
• making many copies of the allele
  
  • putting copies of the normal allele into the cells of a person who has the disorder

Question 7

What are the main problems with gene therapy?

Answer 7

They are with the last step. Alleles may not go into every target cell, treated cells are sometimes replaced naturally with untreated cells, and alleles sometimes join chromosomes in random places

Question 8

What are the methods of putting alleles into the patient’s cells?

Answer 8

• using liposomes which are fat droplets in nose sprays
• using cold viruses that are modified to carry the allele – the viruses go into the cells and infect them
  
  • the direct injection of DNA

Question 9

What are the issues with research for gene therapy?

Answer 9

It is very expensive and arguably helps fewer people than other forms of research

Question 10

What are some other factors to take into consideration for gene therapy?

Answer 10

• There may be an immune response by the patient to the introduced gene.
• This therapy offers hope to patients to live a normal life but it is not guaranteed.
• Religious groups believe that humans should not be genetically manipulated