topic 4B: diversity and selection

Question 1

What is a gene mutation? + examples

Answer 1

-a change in the base sequence of DNA (on chromosomes)
-can arise spontaneously during DNA replication (interphase)

e.g. base deletion or substitution

Question 2

What is a mutagenic agent?

Answer 2

a factor that increases rate of gene mutation, eg. ultraviolet (UV) light or alpha particles