Mutations in Genetics

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Questions and Answers

Which type of point mutation results in a premature stop codon?

Substitution

Nonsense (correct)

Deletion

Insertion

What is the main consequence of a frameshift mutation caused by an insertion?

Introduction of a stop codon

No significant change in the protein

Shift in the reading frame of the genetic message (correct)

Exchange of one amino acid for another

What can result if a point mutation occurs at a position where the stop codon is displaced?

The protein will be shortened

All amino acids after the mutation remain unchanged

The protein may be elongated (correct)

The stop codon becomes a start codon

What does an insertion mutation influence the most directly?

The entire reading frame of the gene sequence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of mutations can render a protein incapable of performing its normal functions due to a frameshift?

Insertion and deletion mutations Signup and view all the answers

Which type of chromosomal mutation involves part of one chromosome breaking off and attaching to another non-homologous chromosome?

Translocation Signup and view all the answers

Which chromosomal mutation results in a chromosome segment being reversed end to end?

Inversion Signup and view all the answers

Which chromosomal mutation decreases the overall genetic material in a chromosome?

Deletion Signup and view all the answers

In which type of chromosomal mutation does an extra copy of a part of a chromosome get produced?

Duplication Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the effects of mutations is accurate?

Mutations can sometimes have no noticeable effect. Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe heritable changes in genetic information?

Mutations Signup and view all the answers

Which Latin word is 'mutation' derived from?

Mutare Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mutation involves the change of a single base pair?

Point mutation Signup and view all the answers

What are mutations that do not affect the amino acid sequence called?

Silent mutations Signup and view all the answers

How would changing the mRNA codon from CCC to ACC affect the protein?

It changes proline to threonine Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a substitution mutation in point mutations?

One base is changed to a different base Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a missense mutation?

A mutation that changes the amino acid specified by a codon Signup and view all the answers

If a codon changes from CCC to CCA, what amino acid is specified?

Proline Signup and view all the answers

What can increase the error rate of DNA replication?

Compounds that interfere with base-pairing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can result in chromosomal mutations?

UV radiation causing breaks and inversions Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential benefit of mutations?

They are the source of genetic variability. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic effect of some of the most harmful mutations?

They change protein structure or gene activity adversely. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mutation may not change the amino acid specified by a codon?

Silent mutation Signup and view all the answers

What condition must individuals with xeroderma pigmentosum avoid due to their increased risk of skin cancer?

Sunlight Signup and view all the answers

Which root word means 'producing'?

gen Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a chemical mutagen?

Tobacco smoke Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of mutations in the mosquito genome for mosquitoes?

Making them resistant to chemical pesticides Signup and view all the answers

What is polyploidy?

The condition where an organism has extra sets of chromosomes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a polyploid crop plant?

Banana Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how some polyploidy in plants is achieved?

By a complete set of chromosomes failing to separate during meiosis Signup and view all the answers

Why is polyploidy generally lethal in animals but beneficial in plants?

Plants can better adapt to chromosome number changes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a possible human benefit of mutations?

Increased resistance to HIV Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a possible way a mutation may affect an organism?

Guaranteeing a better survival rate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best possible explanation for a cell suddenly producing different proteins after many years?

The cell has been infected by a virus altering its genetic material Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mutations

A mutation is a heritable change in genetic information, involving a change in the sequence of nucleotides in DNA or a change in the number or structure of chromosomes.

Point Mutations

A point mutation changes a single base pair in the DNA sequence.
Point mutations usually involve a substitution, where one base is changed to a different base.
Substitutions can be silent, affecting no amino acid, or missense, changing the amino acid specified by a codon.

Types of Mutations

Frameshift mutations: not expounded upon in the text.
Polyploidy: a condition where an organism has extra sets of chromosomes, often larger and stronger than diploid organisms.

Causes of Mutations

Mutagens: chemical or physical agents in the environment, such as UV radiation, pesticides, tobacco smoke, and environmental pollutants.
Errors during DNA replication can also cause mutations.

Effects of Mutations

Harmful effects: disrupt normal gene function, leading to genetic disorders, cancers, and other negative outcomes.
Helpful effects: produce new or altered protein functions, beneficial to the organism or species, such as increased resistance to disease or environmental stressors.

Applications of Mutations

Plant and animal breeders utilize "good" mutations to produce desirable traits, such as stronger and larger plants.
Mutations can lead to the development of new crop species, such as bananas and strawberries.

Mutagens and Repair

Cells can repair some DNA damage, but permanent changes can occur if they cannot.
Mutagens can increase the error rate of DNA replication, leading to mutations.

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Description

Learn about mutations, how they change genetic information, and their effects on genes. Discover the different types of mutations and their impact on genetic code.