Mutations Flashcards
Define mutations
Mutations are changes in the genetic material of a cell or virus
Define the process of mutation
whereby one gene changes from one allelic form to another
how do genetics and molecular biology differ within genetics
genetics focuses on heritable mutations whereas molecular biology examines all mutations
describe a gene
a gene is a genomic sequence (DNA or RNA) directly encoding functional product molecules, either RNA or protein
what are the 2 requirements for natural selection through genetic difference
-recombination
-spontaneous mutation
what are the 2 requirements for natural selection through genetic difference
-recombination
-spontaneous mutation
how many new mutations occur in every human being
200
what are two ways in which we increase the net mutation rate
-increase the rate of DNA damage (sunbathing)
-reduce repair efficiency (exposure to sun reduces the ability to repair TT dimers)
can germline or somatic cells be reproduced in an organism
germline
what type of cell can differentiate into a somatic cell
germline
what effect do mutations have on genes
most mutations have no effect
in what scenario would mutations change the phenotype
when they affect important areas (1-2% of the genome)
what do most genes encode
proteins
name the point mutations
silent, nonsense, missense
on average are mutations dominant or recesive
recessive (and so can only affect the phenotype when homozygous)
