Mutations And Variations (T3)

Question 1

Define ‘mutation’ in a plant..

Answer 1

A mutation is a change in the genetic material of the plants

Question 2

Sometimes mutations in a plant can be beneficial. Why is this, and give an example..

Answer 2

Because is causes ‘vibrations’.

Some of the fungi exposed to the Chernobyl nuclear accident developed a form of nuclear resistance.

Question 3

Why are ‘variations’ of a species important?

Answer 3

• they can help with the survival of the species

- if the mutation is present in the sex genes it can be passed onto the next generation

Question 4

What are radiation and chemicals which cause mutations known as?

Answer 4

Mutagens

Question 5

How could you speed up mutations artificially? Give two examples..

Answer 5

• using ionising radiation such as X-rays, gamma rays and ultra violet rays
• chemicals such as those found in tobacco

Question 6

What happens to the structure of DNA in a mutation?

Answer 6

There is a change in the sequence of bases in the DNA molecule. This causes either a different protein to be made of it blocks the production of the protein completely.

Question 7

Describe an example of a bacteria mutation and explain why it is - in some ways - beneficial..

Answer 7

The mutation of some bacteria so they can no longer be killed by our antibiotics:

• within 10 years of penicillin being made available, one type of bacteria had become resistant to it
• new types of antibiotics were produced but each time some bacteria became resistant to it because a tiny part of their gene changed
• these are known as MRSE bacteria and are now resistant to all but one type of antibiotic
• whilst not beneficial to humans, these mutations have been very beneficial to the bacteria