Mutations Practice Flashcards

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.