AP Bio 6.7: Mutations Flashcards
What are genotypes?
Genotypes are the egentic makeup of an organism
What are phenotypes?
They are the observable characteristics of an organism
One way that genotypes affect phenotypes is…
by the amount of gene products.
Gene products are…
molecules produced as a result of gene expression
Examples of gene products are…
protiens or RNA molecules, depending on whether they’re translated into protien or not.
What do gene products do?
They carry out specific functions in the cell. The normal function of these collectively comprises the normal function of organisms.
What would happen if these gene products are encoded incorrectly?
Disruptions pr mutations can result in new phenotypes.
What are some examples of the result of gene products that got coded incorrectlly?
Cystic fibrosis, adaptive melanism (in mice),
What is cystic fibrosis?
It’s a genetic disorder t hat affects the lungs (and other organs).
What is cystic fibrosis caused by?
It’s caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene.
What does the CFTR gene encode for? And what happens when it’s disrupted?
It encodes a protein that is involved in ion transport across cell membranes. in this gene disrupt the normal function of the protein, leading to a buildup of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and other organs
This can result in chronic lung infections, digestive problems, and othe
What is adaptive melanism? Why does it happen?
It is the increased pigment/melanin production in fur. It can be used as an adaptive mechanism, particularly to darker environments.
What is adaptive melanism caused by?
It;s caused when a mutation in the MC1R gene that codes for a protein involved in pigmentation causes a switch from the normal phenotype of light fur to the new phenotype of dark fur in pocket mice.
What can lead to changed in the phenotype?
Mutations in the gene (which can alter the type or amount of protiens produces, which leads to a change in phenotype)
What is point mutation?
It’s a type of mutation where a single nucleotide base is changed, inserted or deleted at a certaim point from a sequence of DNA or RNA.
