Section 3 - Mutations

Question 1

How many bases in a row code for one amino acid?

Answer 1

3

Question 2

What is the definition of genetic code?

Answer 2

Three bases in a row coding for one amino acid

Question 3

What is a triplet?

Answer 3

Three bases in a row

Question 4

What determines the order of amino acids in a protein?

Answer 4

The order of the bases in the DNA of a gene determines the order of bases in its mRNA copy, and that determines the order of amino acids in a protein

Question 5

Mutations happen spontaneously, but how frequently they happen can be increased by ___________ ______.

Answer 5

Mutagenic agents

Question 6

What are mutagenic agents?

Answer 6

Factors that increase mutations

Question 7

What is an example of a mutagenic agent?

Answer 7

UV radiation in sunlight

Question 8

Describe how mutations can cause cancer

Answer 8

Mutations can cause cancer because cell division is controlled by proteins. If mutations occur in the genes for these proteins, they can alter the proteins so they no longer work. This can lead to uncontrolled cell division, and the development of a tumour

Question 9

Describe how mutations can cause genetic disorders

Answer 9

Mutations that result in altered genes and proteins can be inherited, e.g. cystic fibrosis