Section 3.2(Mutations) Flashcards
What is a mutation?
When DNA is replicated, sometimes errors are made. The daughter cells then contain DNA that differs from the DNA in the parental cell. These changes in DNA sequence are called mutations.
What are the different causes of mutations?
It’s an enzymatic process mistakes are bound to happen.
Exposure to radiation
Exposure to chemicals(Tumorigenesis they are also known as Carcinogens)
Base Substitution Mutation
The addition or removal of a base
Explain what the human genome project is
The Human Genome Project (HGP) was an international 13-year effort, 1990 to 2003. Primary goals were to discover the complete set of human genes and make them accessible for further biological study, and determine the complete sequence of DNA bases in the human genome.
How long was the human genome estimated to be?
3.2 billion bases
Why do people want to know their full genome?
Knowledge of your genetic susceptibilities to certain illnesses could allow you to take steps to protect your health. In countries without single-payer healthcare, that kind of knowledge could also be used by insurance companies to charge you more or to refuse to insure you.
As researchers learn more about the functions of human genes and proteins, there is the potential to tailor medical treatment to the genetic profile of the individual. For example, asthma can have different genetic causes. Knowing which alleles a patient has for key genes tells doctors which medicines are likely to be effective. It is possible that affordable genetic sequencing will begin an era of ‘personalised medicine’.
