Mutations Flashcards
What is a mutation
A random change in the genetic material and nucleic acid of DNA or RNA.
What are point/substitution mutations
One base pair is swapped for another
What is a silent mutation
The change occurs in non-coding regions of DNA so it does not affect the phenotype
What is a missense mutation
The codon now codes for a different amino acid
What is a nonsense mutation
The change codes for a STOP codon, resulting in an incomplete protein
What is an insertion mutation
Extra base pairs are inserted into the DNA sequence
What is a deletion mutation
Base pairs are lost from the DNA
What is a duplication mutation
A section of the DNA is repeated
What is a translocation mutation
Sections of DNA either swap places or chromosomes join together
What is a beneficial mutation
A mutation that is beneficial to evolution
What is a neutral mutation
Has neither negative nor positive effects on the organism
What is a detrimental mutation
A mutation that is detrimental to the survival of the animal
What factors could cause a mutation?
External factors
Internal factors
Give examples of external factors that can cause a mutation
- Chemicals
- Radiation
Give examples of internal factors that can cause a mutation
- A problem during DNA replication
- Chromosomes and DNA strands can break
