CH 13 Sec 3 Notes
CH 13 Sec 3 Notes
CH 13 Sec 3 Notes
Chapter 13 Section 3
Mutations
Lesson Overview Mutations
Types of Mutations
Now and then cells make mistakes in copying their own DNA,
inserting the wrong base or even skipping a base as a strand is put
together.
These variations are called mutations, from the Latin word mutare,
meaning “to change.”
Types of Mutations
All mutations fall into two basic categories:
Gene Mutations
Mutations that involve changes in one or a few nucleotides are known
as point mutations because they occur at a single point in the DNA
sequence. They generally occur during replication.
Gene Mutations
Point mutations include substitutions, insertions, and deletions.
Lesson Overview Mutations
Substitutions
In a substitution, one base is changed to a different base.
Substitutions
In this example, the base cytosine is replaced by the base thymine,
resulting in a change in the mRNA codon from CGU (arginine) to CAU
(histidine).
However, a change in the last base of the codon, from CGU to CGA for
example, would still specify the amino acid arginine.
Lesson Overview Mutations
Frameshift mutations can change every amino acid that follows the
point of the mutation and can alter a protein so much that it is unable to
perform its normal functions.
Lesson Overview Mutations
Chromosomal Mutations
Chromosomal mutations involve changes in the number or structure of
chromosomes.
Chromosomal Mutations
Deletion involves the loss of all or part of a chromosome.
Lesson Overview Mutations
Chromosomal Mutations
Duplication produces an extra copy of all or part of a chromosome.
Lesson Overview Mutations
Chromosomal Mutations
Inversion reverses the direction of parts of a chromosome.
Lesson Overview Mutations
Chromosomal Mutations
Translocation occurs when part of one chromosome breaks off and
attaches to another.
Lesson Overview Mutations
Effects of Mutations
Genetic material can be altered by natural events or by artificial means.
Some mutations that affect individual organisms can also affect a species
or even an entire ecosystem.
Lesson Overview Mutations
Effects of Mutations
Many mutations are produced by errors in genetic processes.
For example, some point mutations are caused by errors during DNA
replication.
Effects of Mutations
Stressful environmental conditions may cause some bacteria to increase
mutation rates.
Mutagens
Some mutations arise from mutagens, chemical or physical agents in
the environment.
Mutagens
If these mutagens interact with DNA, they can produce mutations at
high rates.
Others weaken the DNA strand, causing breaks and inversions that
produce chromosomal mutations.
Cells can sometimes repair the damage; but when they cannot, the
DNA base sequence changes permanently.
Lesson Overview Mutations
Harmful Effects
Some of the most harmful mutations are those that dramatically change
protein structure or gene activity.
Some cancers, for example, are the product of mutations that cause the
uncontrolled growth of cells.
Lesson Overview Mutations
Harmful Effects
Sickle cell disease is a disorder associated with changes in the shape
of red blood cells. Normal red blood cells are round. Sickle cells
appear long and pointed.
Beneficial Effects
Some of the variation produced by mutations can be highly
advantageous to an organism or species.
Mutations often produce proteins with new or altered functions that can
be useful to organisms in different or changing environments.
Beneficial Effects
Plant and animal breeders often make use of “good” mutations.
Polyploid plants are often larger and stronger than diploid plants.