Genetic Mutations

What is a Genetic Mutation? A mutation is a change in the genetic material (DNA) of a cell. Mutations may occur in any cell of the body and may be the result of one or several unpredictable factors.

What is a Genetic Mutation cont’d If the mutations affect the reproductive cells, they can be passed from one generation to the next Mutations that affect other cells of the body are not inheritable.

Environmental Factors Some mutations are caused by environmental factors: 1) Overexposure to sunlight 2) Pollutions 3) Pesticides

DDT and Bald Eagles

Lifestyle Factors If you live an unhealthy lifestyle by taking: 1) Toxins (alcohol, drugs, etc) 2) Carcinogens (smoking, etc) 3) Food additives These can cause mutations in a person or in a developing fetus.

PHENYLKETONURIA (or PKU) Causes mental deficiency Effects can be lessened by changing the diet of the individual with the mutation.

Types of Mutations Many cancers are caused by such mutations. Not all mutations are harmful. Many have no effect, or cause slight, harmless changes An organism may not appear mutant at all (in other words, though it’s genotype is mutant, its phenotype is normal)

Types of Mutations Occasionally, mutations arise that are beneficial to organisms For example, some bacteria may have developed resistance to antibiotics in this manner

How mutations occur? fetal exposure to alcohol overexposure to sunlight radiation carcinogens food additives hormone mimics pollution pesticides Non prescription drugs German measles or other infectious diseases