Mutations Practice Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is substitution in genetics?

One base pair is replaced by another. (correct)

One or more base pairs is deleted.

One or more base pairs is inserted.

None of the above.

What happens during insertion?

One or more base pairs are added to a sequence.

What is deletion in genetics?

One or more base pairs are lost from a sequence.

What are the three ways DNA can be altered when a mutation occurs?

Substitution, insertion, deletion. Signup and view all the answers

Name five possible results of a mutation.

Silent mutation, substitution, premature stop, codon deletion or insertion, frame shift. Signup and view all the answers

What is a silent mutation?

When a base pair is substituted but the change still codes for the same amino acid. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during substitutions?

A base pair is substituted, and the new codon codes for a different amino acid. Signup and view all the answers

What is a premature stop in genetics?

When a substitution results in the formation of a stop codon before all codons are read. Signup and view all the answers

What is codon deletion or insertion?

A whole new amino acid is added, or one is missing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a frame shift?

When a deletion or insertion results in a different base pair being the start of the next codon. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definitions of Mutations

Substitution: Replacement of one base-pair by another, e.g., G to C.
Insertion: Addition of one or more base pairs to a sequence, e.g., CGATGG becomes CGAATGG with 'A' being inserted.
Deletion: Removal of one or more base pairs from a sequence, e.g., CGATGG to CATGG with 'G' being deleted.

Types of DNA Alterations

DNA mutations can manifest as substitution, insertion, or deletion of base pairs.

Consequences of Mutations

Silent Mutation: Base pair substitution that does not change the amino acid produced, resulting in a neutral effect (e.g., TCT and TCC both code for serine).
Substitution Impact: Occurs when a base pair substitution leads to coding for a different amino acid (e.g., TCT for serine vs. CCT for proline).
Premature Stop Mutation: Substitution creates a stop codon before the entire sequence is translated, halting protein synthesis prematurely.
Codon Deletion or Insertion: Involves removal or addition of a whole codon, affecting the resulting amino acid.
Frame Shift Mutation: Occurs when deletion or insertion changes the starting point of the next codon, leading to a complete alteration in the amino acid sequence.

Summary of Mutation Outcomes

Mutations can result in various changes such as silent mutations, substitutions, premature stops, codon deletions or insertions, and frame shifts. Each type has distinct implications for protein synthesis and function.

Description

Test your understanding of mutations with this flashcard quiz. Learn about different types of mutations including substitution, insertion, and deletion, along with their definitions and examples. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their knowledge about DNA changes.