1. What is a mutation? Adult education activity http://technolog.it.umn.edu/technolog/issues/fall2004/genome.htm

2. Types of Mutations –Now and then cells make mistakes in copying their own DNA, inserting the wrong base or even skipping a base as a strand is put together. –These variations are called mutations, from the Latin word mutare, meaning “to change.” –Mutations are heritable changes in the DNA sequence that affects genetic information.

3. Types of Mutations –All mutations fall into two basic categories: –Those that produce changes in a single gene are known as gene mutations. –Those that produce changes in whole chromosomes are known as chromosomal mutations.

4. How does our genetic material change? Mutations may happen in big or little chunks through rearrangements, additions, or subtractions of material

5. How many genes do this? Any gene has the potential to mutate Can happen anywhere Only mutations that happen in the sperm or eggs may be passed on to yourchildren Most mutations don ’ t change your body ’ s function, these are called silent mutations

6. Quiz Time!

7. Question 1 1. A mutation may happen in any gene. TRUE OR FALSE?

8. Question 1 Answer If you answered True then….you are CORRECT!

9. Question 2 2. Mutations can be a good thing a)Yes b)No

10. Question 2 Answer If you answered Yes….you are CORRECT!

11. What causes a mutation? Copy mistakes (1 in 10 million bases) Mutations are a natural part of the cellular process reproduction. The cell has tools that catch and repair 99.9% of mutations. Other factors may cause extra mutations to occur or damage the “ catch and repair ” mechanism Some mutations are the second hit to a cell, for example freckles have a mutation already and another mutation makes the cell potentially cancerous

12. What are the other factors? These factors may include (mutagens): radiation, chemical exposures (pesticides), UV light (sunlight)

13. How do I stop this? We are all mutants. The best way to prevent excessive and dangerous mutations is to avoid prolonged UV light from the sun (use sunblock), avoid pesticides and other mutagens, and limit radiation levels to federally acceptable levels.

14. Harmful and Helpful Mutations The effects of mutations on genes vary widely. Some have little or no effect; and some produce beneficial variations; and some negatively disrupt gene function and cause diseases (cancer). Whether a mutation is negative or beneficial depends on how its DNA changes relative to the organism’s situation. However, without mutations, organisms cannot evolve, because mutations are the source of genetic variability in a species.

15. Variation Bird beak size and shapeCat fur color

16. Quiz Time!

17. Question 1 1. Which of the following may cause mutations? a)Coffee b)UV light (sun light) c)Hair gel d)Vaccines

18. Question 1 Answer If you answered B….you are CORRECT!

19. Question 2 2. Most mutations are caught and repaired in the cell. TRUE or FALSE?

20. Question 2 Answer If you answered True….you are CORRECT!

21. Question 3 3. What is a mutation? a) Any change in genetic material b) When the sun is directly behind the moon c) A small green and black frog from Brazil d) A way the body kills invading cells

22. Question 3 Answer If you answered A then you are….CORRECT!