Unraveling the Mysteries of Mutations

Germ-line mutations occur in reproductive cells and are passed on to the offspring, while other types of mutations are not passed on to the offspring.

An example of a gene-level mutation is insects becoming resistant to the insecticide DDT after repeated exposure. This mutation affects physical characteristics and is important to large-scale evolution.

A chromosomal mutation is a change to long lengths of nucleotides. An example is Down syndrome, where there are three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two, significantly affecting the individual's appearance, cognition, and behavior.

<p>Mutations can occur spontaneously due to chance or exposure to chemicals, ultraviolet radiation, or other environmental factors known as mutagens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Three ways DNA can be changed are substitution, insertion, and deletion. An example of substitution is sickle cell anemia. An example of insertion is when extra base pairs are added to the DNA sequence. An example of deletion is when a section of DNA is lost or eliminated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>DNA is our genetic code that comes from our parents. It affects how we look, behave, and our physiology. Mistakes or changes in DNA, called mutations, can cause variations in hair color, skin color, height, shape, behavior, and our ability to fight off disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>No, mutations are not always negative. They are essential for evolution and create variation in genetic information. Mutations can be neither good nor bad, just different.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mutations create different versions of genetic information, called alleles, which make each individual unique. Variations that help an organism survive and reproduce are passed on to the next generation, contributing to evolution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Natural selection is the process by which variations that help an organism survive and reproduce are passed on to the next generation, while variations that hinder survival and reproduction are eliminated. Over time, this can lead to significant changes in appearance, behavior, and physiology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Somatic mutations, or acquired mutations, occur in non-reproductive cells. They can have varying effects on an individual, ranging from no impact to death.</p> Signup and view all the answers