Mutations

Mutation effects Reproductive Cells -mutation in DNA sequence of an egg or sperm cell -mutation is passed on to offspring - possible effects include: production of a new trait, a dysfunctional protein, lethal, or positive effects (evolution)

Mutation effects Body Cells - change in the DNA sequence of a body cell (liver cell, skin cell etc) -not passed on to offspring (only affects the individual) -possible effects include: may damage the function of that cell – Ex: a stomach cell that loses the ability to make acid for digestion, when the cell divides, the mutation continues

Types of mutation Point mutation =a change in a single base pair in DNA

Point mutation effects possibly the wrong amino acid is made so the function of the protein could be messed up

Types of mutations Frameshift mutation = a single base is added or deleted from the DNA sequence which causes a shift in the reading of the codons

Frameshift mutation effects Possible effects: all amino acids after the addition or deletion are wrong SO much worse!

Types of mutations Chromosomal mutation = a change in a chromosome (part is broken off or parts switch places) Examples: – deletion – insertion – inversion – translocation Possible Effects: offspring usually dies; if not the offspring is sterile

Causes of mutations Spontaneous- mistakes during base pairing (transcription) Mutagen= any agent that can cause a change in DNA – Ex: 1. Radiation (Xrays, UV light) 2. Chemicals (asbestos, cyanide, formaldehyde) 3. High Temperatures