The DNA "Typo" (Mutation Basics)
This term describes a permanent change in the sequence of DNA bases.
What is a Mutation?
This occurs when a single extra base is added into the DNA sequence.
What is an Insertion?
This type of reproduction is the main reason why siblings (who aren't twins) look different.
What is Sexual Reproduction?
This is the general name for environmental factors, like UV rays or chemicals, that cause DNA damage.
What are Mutagens?
The original DNA is TTA-GCG. The mutated DNA is TTA-GCA. This is the specific type of point mutation that occurred.
What is a Substitution?
This specific type of point mutation swaps one base but results in the exact same amino acid.
What is a Silent Mutation?
This occurs when a base is accidentally removed from the DNA sequence.
What is a Deletion?
During Meiosis, this process involves homologous chromosomes swapping segments of DNA.
What is Crossing Over?
This blood disorder is caused by a single point mutation that changes the shape of red blood cells.
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
The original DNA is CAT-ATE-RAT. The mutated DNA is CAA-TAT-ERA-T. This is the "shifty" type of mutation that occurred.
What is an Insertion (or Frameshift)?
This type of mutation occurs when a single nucleotide is swapped for a different one.
What is a Substitution (or Point Mutation)?
Insertions and deletions cause this major error, which changes every subsequent codon in the chain.
What is a Frameshift Mutation?
This law states that chromosomes line up randomly before separating, creating unique combinations.
What is Independent Assortment?
These "invisible" rays from the sun are a common natural mutagen that can cause skin cell mutations.
What is UV Radiation?
If a DNA sequence changes from TAC (Start) to TAG (Stop), it is known as this specific "premature" mutation.
What is a Nonsense Mutation?
A mutation that changes one amino acid to a different one, potentially altering the protein's function.
What is a Missense Mutation?
Compared to point mutations, frameshift mutations are usually considered this in terms of their effect on proteins.
What is more destructive (or more severe)?
These are the different "versions" of a gene that create variation, such as blue eyes vs. brown eyes.
What are Alleles?
While many mutations are bad, they are actually the primary source for this process of change over time.
What is Evolution?
This biological "machine" is responsible for checking DNA for errors, but when it fails, a mutation becomes permanent.
What is DNA Polymerase?
This "stop-worthy" mutation creates a premature STOP codon, cutting the protein chain short.
What is a Nonsense Mutation?
If a deletion removes exactly three bases, it is technically NOT a frameshift; instead, it is known by this term.
What is an In-frame deletion?
This process, where any sperm can fuse with any egg, further multiplies the number of genetic outcomes.
What is Random Fertilization?
In regions where this mosquito-borne disease is common, having the Sickle Cell trait is actually beneficial.
What is Malaria?
Looking at the sequence ABC-DEF changing to AED-CBF, this large-scale chromosomal mutation has occurred.
What is an Inversion?