mutations Flashcards
What is a mutation?
A mutation is a permanent change to the DNA of a cell.
What are the three types of mutations?
Harmless, harmful, and useful mutations.
What are harmless mutations?
Harmless mutations mostly occur in non-coding DNA (which makes up 98.5% of the DNA).
Non-coding DNA doesn’t make proteins, so harmless mutations don’t affect the structure or function of the organism.
Examples: freckles, blonde hair, baldness.
What are harmful mutations?
Harmful mutations change the DNA responsible for producing specific proteins.
This results in incorrect or defective proteins, affecting the organism’s physical appearance or functioning.
Harmful mutations can cause genetic disorders.
What are useful mutations?
Useful mutations also change the DNA to produce specific proteins.
If the protein produced helps the organism survive better in its environment, the mutation is considered useful.
Useful mutations lead to genetic variation, which is important for natural selection.
How do mutations contribute to natural selection?
Useful mutations that improve survival can be passed to future generations.
Where can mutations occur?
Mutations can occur in genes or chromosomes.
