Mutations and DNA Repair Flashcards
What is a Mutation?
A mutation is any change in the sequence of DNA base pairs that is permanent and arises by chance.
+To be considered a mutation, the change in the base-pair sequence must not be a result of recombination.
What is Point Mutation?
Point mutations occur when a single DNA nucleotide base is replaced by a different nucleotide. These are also known as substitutions. Occasionally, single nucleotide deletions or insertions are also considered point mutations, but they cause reading frame shifts.
Missense mutations:
The replacement of a single nucleotide base with a
different one, resulting in a change in the codon so that it codes for a different amino acid. These are common types of mutations and cause several genetic diseases.