1. Gene Expression vs. Mutations

2. Gene Expression
Every cell in your body has the same DNA code but each cell only uses some of the genes.
External factors (things in the environment or outside of the cell) activate (turn on and turn off) certain genes.
When a gene turns on or off the expression of the gene is modified or changed.

3. What Gene Expression is NOT
The sequence of the DNA is NOT being changed
These changes are NOT permanent. The changes last as long as the organism is exposed to the environmental factor that is causing the gene to turn on or off

4. Gene Expression Example: Ice Pack
When the ice pack is placed on the bunny, a black patch appears.
What will happen once the ice pack (environmental factor) is removed?

5. Mutations Definition: Mutations are changes in the sequence of DNA
Mutations can change the way in which a trait is expressed by an organism
However, not all mutations are bad

6. Did you know? Mutations occur all the time in your DNA
Mutations that are not fixed then become permanent changes that can either benefit or harm the organism
Benefit: Cause variation that allows the organism to survive in a changing environment
Harm: Cause disease or death

7. Types of Mutations There are essentially three types of mutations
1. Deletions
2. Insertions
3. Substitutions