Mutations

Question 1

what is a mutation?

Answer 1

a change in a DNA molecule resulting in a new gene

Question 2

What could a mutation result in?

Answer 2

a new charactersitic that could be passed onto the next generation

Question 3

how can mutations happen?

Answer 3

naturally or due to or because of natural background radiation

Question 4

exposure to what would increase the pribability of a mutation?

Answer 4

. ionising radiation
. x rays
. ultra violet radiation from the sun
. some toxic chemicals called mutagens
- the greater the dose the higher the chance of mutation

Question 5

Why could mutations go unnoticed?

Answer 5

-because the mutant cell is one in millions
- the mutant cell has alreday been destroyed by a white blood cell

Question 6

when are mutations passed on?

Answer 6

only if the mutation is in a gamete (sex cell)

Question 7

what are some examples of harmful mutations ?

Answer 7

. abnormalities or death in the young if in reproductive cells
. mutations in the body cells could cause uncontrollable mitosis = tumor = cancer

Question 8

what are neutral mutations?

Answer 8

mutations that do not affect the survival rate of an organism

Question 9

what are beneficial mutations?

Answer 9

. mutations that give an organism an advantage letting it survive and breed faster
- e.g bacteria that are resistant to anti biotics then could survive and create a strain of antibiotic resistant bacteria

Question 10

what can genetic screening or gene therapy be used for?

Answer 10

detetcting inherited diseases

Question 11

what are the tests available to find out if you’re a carrier for a genetic disorder?

Answer 11

Prenatal genetic tests
- small samples from the cell membrane surrounding the foetus are taken and the DNA from those cells is analysed