Mutation and Mutagens Overview

Failure of chromosomes to separate during cell division (mitosis or meiosis), resulting in abnormal chromosome numbers.

A condition where a cell or organism has an abnormal number of chromosomes.

A condition characterized by the absence of one chromosome (n-1).

A condition characterized by the presence of one extra chromosome (n+1).

A genetic disorder caused by trisomy 13, characterized by severe birth defects and a shortened life expectancy.

A genetic disorder caused by trisomy 18, characterized by severe birth defects and a shortened life expectancy.

A genetic disorder caused by trisomy 21, characterized by distinct physical features and varying degrees of intellectual disability.

A genetic disorder in males caused by an extra X chromosome (47, XXY), characterized by specific physical traits.

A change in DNA's nucleotide sequence

Substances that increase mutation rate

Passed from parent to offspring

Mutation in body cells, not passed to offspring

Naturally occurring DNA errors, often from replication or transcription

Mutation caused by external factors.

Radiation or energy causing DNA damage

Chemicals that damage DNA

A mutation caused by external factors like mutagens, not a natural error.

Changes in the DNA's nucleotide sequence, potentially altering the protein produced.

A gene mutation where one DNA base is replaced by another, changing the codon.

A point mutation where a purine replaces a purine or a pyrimidine replaces a pyrimidine.

A point mutation where a purine replaces a pyrimidine or vice versa.

A gene mutation where a changed codon codes for a different amino acid, potentially affecting the protein's function.

A gene mutation where a changed codon codes for the same amino acid, no effect on the protein.

A gene mutation where a changed codon becomes a stop codon, resulting in an incomplete, non-functional protein.

Scientists used mutations in wheat to develop varieties with traits like branched ears, lodging resistance, high protein, and specific seed colors. This led to varieties like Sharbati Sonora.

Mutations in rice, like those induced by gamma irradiation, have resulted in varieties like Reimei (high yielding) and others with improved protein content and faster growth.

Selective breeding of cows led to higher productivity in their calves, showing advantageous mutations can improve animal characteristics.

Mutations can be helpful when they lead to qualities or characteristics that enhance fitness or traits that are desirable to humans, such as high yield, disease resistance, or specific colors.

Mutations can be harmful if they weaken an organism's ability to survive or reproduce or if they cause negative changes, such as diseases.

A mutation caused by adding or deleting nucleotides in a DNA sequence, shifting the reading frame of the mRNA, resulting in significant phenotypic changes.

Point mutations change a single nucleotide, while frameshift mutations change the entire reading frame (all subsequent codons) due to insertion/deletion of nucleotides not in multiples of three. Frameshift mutations cause much greater phenotypic changes.

A mutation where part of a chromosome is lost.

A mutation where a segment of a chromosome is repeated.

A mutation where a segment of a chromosome is flipped to the opposite orientation.

A mutation where a segment of one chromosome breaks off and attaches to a different chromosome.

A type of frameshift mutation that adds nucleotides to the DNA sequence.

A type of frameshift mutation that removes nucleotides from the DNA sequence.

A genetic condition in females caused by missing a X chromosome, leading to specific physical characteristics.

A genetic condition in males caused by an extra Y chromosome, often with no visible symptoms except possible tall stature.

Using mutations to improve crop traits, like bigger size, color, or taste.

Bacteria that can break down nylon, potentially useful in waste treatment.

A natural mutation in almond trees that lost the bitter chemical, making them safe to eat.

A type of polyploidy involving combined genomes from different species.

A beef cattle breed developed through accidental mutations in traditional cattle.

A change in the DNA sequence of almond trees that eliminates the production of amygdalin.