1. Basics of Mutations Topic 3034 Torey Birchmeier http://128.113.165.216/ms99/WhitneyW/diseasetest.html

2. Mutations n A sudden change in the characteristics of an organism due to a change in the chemical structure of the DNA. n The change must be capable of being transmitted fully to future generations without change.

3. Mutation n An example of a mutation is the polled characteristic in beef cattle. http://128.193.26.240/agcomwebfile/edmat/Vidabs.html

4. Causes of Mutations n An error in DNA replication n Exposure to radiation n Exposure to certain toxic or poisonous chemicals n Other genetic abnormalities such as extra chromosomes or chromosomes crossing or breaking

5. Mutations in Evolution n Mutations are recognized as the primary source of the hereditary variations that make evolution possible. n Mutations can either be harmful or useful to species.

6. Mutations in Evolution n Mutations that help an animal survive are continued because survivors reproduce and pass the gene on to their offspring. n Mutations that are harmful to a species are less likely to be passed on because the animals do not survive or reproduce.

7. Mutations in Commercial Agriculture n A Perfect Example…….. n A natural occurring mutation or change occurred in the horse. n Over many years the horse’s hoof characteristics changed to suit a changing environment.

8. Mutations in Commercial Agriculture n The one hooved horse today is much more useful to agriculture than its smaller four toed counterpart “eohippus” which lived long ago. http://205.163.41.21/scripts/agdirect.exe?List_Horse&GLENWOOD&0

9. Other Mutation Examples n Rust resistant wheat n Plant breeders have taken advantage of natural selection for a strain of rust resistant in wheat. n Breeders have breed this trait into other wheat strains to help aid in agriculture production

10. Other Mutation Examples n High protein corn n Geneticists have selected for high protein varieties and have tried to breed them exclusively n This selection is “manmade” rather than based on “natural selection” such as the horse

11. References n Cow Picture: http://128.193.26.240/agwebfile/edmat/Vidabs.html http://128.193.26.240/agwebfile/edmat/Vidabs.html n DNA Picture: http://128.113.165.216/ms99?WhitneyW/diseasetest.html http://128.113.165.216/ms99?WhitneyW/diseasetest.html n Horse Picture: http://205.163.41.2/scripts/agdirect.exe?List_Horses&GLENWOOD&0