Types of Genetic Mutations

• Mutations change the DNA sequence, affecting genetic information.
• Gene mutations affect a single gene.
• Chromosomal mutations affect an entire chromosome.

Types of Mutations

• Addition (or Insertion): A base or bases are added/inserted, for example: GUC CCC AGU becoming A GUC CCC AGU.
• Deletion: A base or bases are deleted/removed, for example: GU CCC AGU becoming GU CCC AGU C
• Substitution: A base or bases are changed, for example: GUC CCC AGU becoming A GUC CCC AGU

Point vs. Frameshift Mutations

• Point Mutation: A single letter is changed.
• Frameshift Mutation: A change causes a ripple effect shifting how the protein is read .
  • Example: G C CCC AGU becoming GCC CCA GU after a deletion.
• Mutations can alter the overall protein, not just individual amino acids;
  • Example: THE FAT CAT ATE THE RAT, after a deletion becomes THF ATC ATA TET HER AT

Causes and Results

• Mutations are caused due to exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, or random chance.
• Mutagen: Any compound that causes a mutation.
• Mutations don't always change amino acids or the overall protein because most amino acids have more than one codon.