1. Mutations What you need to know

2. Definition of Mutation 1. A random change in an organism’s DNA Can be inherited – passed down from a parent to their offspring Can be caused by mutagens – mutation causing agents in the environment Some mutagens are carcinogens

3. Mutation = a random change in an organism’s DNA

4. Some mutations occur with large parts of the chromosome Chromosomes have a long arm and a short arm.

5. Deletion – Removal of part of one arm of a chromosome Inversion – Part of a chromosome arm is flipped Duplication – Part of a chromosome arm is included twice A deletion on the short arm of Chromosome #1….This means part of chromosome #1 is missing from the short side.

6. Chromosome 14 has a mutation (Possibly a deletion?)

7. Trisomies and Monosomies One chromosome pair either has three (Trisomy) or only one (Monosomy) chromosome Trisomy 21 (Down’s Syndrome)Turner’s Syndrome – Monosomy in Sex Chromosomes

8. Result of a Mutation? The job of DNA is to hold a code that tells your body to make a certain protein. These may be pigments (coloring), enzymes (help chemical reactions in your body happen), or other proteins If your DNA has a mutation, your body won’t correctly make that protein. This can cause no problems, small problems, or very big problems for your body.

9. What Can Mutations Do?

10. Mutations can be POSITIVE (helpful) Some mutations can provide an advantage which helps the organism survive

11. Some mutations do not effect the organism’s survival (the mutation does not help or hurt the organism) Mutations can be NEUTRAL (not harmful, not helpful) syndactyly bright green feather mutation Normal (dark green feathers)

12. Some mutations are harmful, and hurt the organism’s chances for survival Mutated blood cell (person with sickle cell anemia ) Normal red blood cell Mutations can be NEGATIVE (harmful)

13. Some mutations can be helpful Some mutations can be harmful Some mutations can have no effect (NEUTRAL)

14. A mutation may be POSITIVE, or NEUTRAL, or NEGATIVE depending on the environment Which bird would have the best chances of survival in a forest where all the leaves were BLUE?

15. Research Paper Genetic Disorders

16. Topics You will choose a topic out of a box No two people in the class will have the same topic You are to do all work alone – research and writing

17. Resources You may use websites that end in.edu,.org,.gov You may use any specific websites I give you You may NOT use wikipedia, Yahoo, About.com or similar websites – they are not reliable Keep track of the resources you use, as you will need to include a resource page (APA Format) with your assignment

18. Product You are to create a informational brochure, like you would see in the doctor’s office You CANNOT copy any information into the brochure – it MUST be in your words, and your words only You will hand in the brochure, all notes you took, and a resource page