Protein Synthesis: Genetic Mutation Flashcards
What is a mutation?
A change in genetic material
(DNA code will have a base missing, added, or exchanged)
How often does mutation occur?
One in One Billion pairs. Humans have at least 6 billion pairs, so we all have about 6 mutations in our body.
How do mutations affect you?
They could benefit, harm, or change nothing within you.
Can mutations always be seen?
No, the affected gene could still function as normal.
How do mutations affect population?
Mutations cause genetic material to change, therefore increasing biodiversity.
When can mutations be passed onto offspring?
When the mutation occurs in the gametes.
Do body cell mutations pass onto offspring?
No, body cell mutations only affect the organism in which it developed.
What is Point Mutation?
This occurs when the base sequence of a codon is changed
(1/3 of the base changes).
What is substitution?
A single nitrogen base is swapped for another. May or may not affect the amino acid/protein. NOT a frameshift mutation.
What is insertion?
A nitrogen base is added to a codon. This causes the triplet frames to shift to the right. This is a frameshift mutation.
What is deletion?
A nitrogen base is removed from the sequence. This causes the triplet frames to shift to the left. This is a frameshift mutation.
When does genetic mutation have its greatest effect?
Genetic mutation has the greatest effect when it occurs in the gamete or in the early embryonic phase (stem cells or first few days).
What causes mutations?
Natural errors or an environmental event can cause a mutation to happen.
What is a mutagen?
A mutagen is something that causes the DNA code to change.
Some examples are: x-ray, chemicals, UV light, radiation, etc.
What is frameshift mutiation?
When because one single nitrogenous base was inserted or deleted, all the following nitrogenous bases are changed
