Mutations

Question 1

What is a Mutation?

Answer 1

• A change in the nucleotide (base) sequence
• Results in translation of proteins being affected.

Question 2

Forms of Mutagens?

Answer 2

X-rays, UV rays (sunlight), chemicals, tobacco and pollution

Question 3

Why don’t new mutations occur frequently now?

Answer 3

• Because species have already mutated a lot to fit best into the current, unchanging environment.

Question 4

Forms of Mutations?

Answer 4

Deletion

Insertion

Duplication

Inversion

Translocation

(DIDIT)

Question 5

Point Mutation?

Answer 5

A single base is changed.

Question 6

Block Mutation?

Answer 6

More than one base but less than a whole gene is changed

Question 7

Silent Mutation?

Answer 7

No effect

Question 8

Missense Mutation?

Answer 8

Substitution of a nucleotide (base) causes a new amino acid.

Question 9

Nonsense Mutation?

Answer 9

Substitution of a nucleotide (base) causes a tRNA to bring the STOP codon rather than another amino acid. Therefore, correct protein is not made and the resulting protein is severely shortened or non-functioning.

Question 10

Frameshift Mutation?

Answer 10

Insertion/Deletion of nucleotides “push” the rest of the codons which creates a new sequence, resulting in all new amino acids.