Mutations Flashcards
Define mutation (2)
A heritable alteration in a gene or chromosome (change in nucleotide sequence)
The process that produces alteration (source of alleles - driver of evolution)
What is a transposable element?
Specific DNA sequences that don’t have fixed position in the genome - they transpose as a distinct unit to random, discrete sites (reversible)
Transposable elements make up how much of the genome?
~50%
What type of micromutations change the open reading frame?
Deletions and insertions
What is a transition mutation?
When a single nucleotide changes to the same type of base
Purine to purine(A-G)
Pyrimidine to pyrimidine (T-C)
What is a transversion mutation?
A single nucleotide change that results in a different base type
Purine to pyrimidine
Pyrimidine to purine
A/G- C/T
What is a missense mutation?
A base substitution that changes the amino acid
What is a silent/neutral mutation?
A base substitution that results in no amino acid change
What is a non-sense mutation?
Early incorporation of a stop codon due to frame shift
What is a protoncogene?
Normal version of a gene which encodes protein involved in regulation of cell growth and differentiation
Why are gain of function mutations often dominant?
Because they influence the normal function, and a change is seen.
Why are recessive mutations often loss of function?
Because the normal 50% of alleles still produce normal protein - so still normal function
Does mitochondrial DNA suffer germline or somatic mutations?
Both
What are some of the common symptoms of mitochondrial disease?
Muscle weakness, movement problems, diabetes, kidney failure,heart disease, vision abnormalities
What are primordial germ cells?
Common origins of spermatozoa and oocytes - ancestor of their germline
