Mutations

Question 1

Define single gene mutations

Answer 1

involve the alternation of a single DNA nucleotide

Question 2

Name the three types of single point mutations (in genes)

Answer 2

substitution, deletion and insertion

Question 3

Substitutions result in a change that effects how many codons?

Answer 3

only one codon

Question 4

What are missense gene mutations?

Answer 4

these substitutions change the codon from one amino acid to another amino acid. This may result in the shape of the protein changing and not being able to carry out its function.

Question 5

Describe nonsense gene mutations.

Answer 5

these substitutions change the codon from an amino acid to a stop codon. The shortened protein is generally non-functional or its function is altered.

Question 6

Explain a silent gene mutation.

Answer 6

a nucleotide is altered but the codon produced still codes for the original amino acid and the same protein is produced.

Question 7

What is a neutral gene mutation?

Answer 7

a nucleotide is altered and the amino acid and codon changes too. New amino acid however has similar chemical properties and there is little or no effect on the protein.

Question 8

Name the three types of chromosome mutation

Answer 8

deletion, duplication and translocation

Question 9

Explain deletion mutations in chromosomes

Answer 9

the chromosome breaks in two positions, the segment in between breaks off and and the two ends join back together

Question 10

What is the definition of a duplication mutation in a chromosome

Answer 10

usually happens when a section of one chromosome of a homologous pair becomes attached and inserted into the other chromosomes

Question 11

Give the definition of a translocation mutation in a chromosome

Answer 11

a section of one chromosome becomes broken off and attaches to another chromosome that is not its homologous partner

Question 12

What are the two types of translocation mutations found in chromosomes?

Answer 12

non-reciprocal translocation and reciprocal translation

Question 13

Describe non-reciprocal translocation mutations in chromosomes?

Answer 13

this is when part of one chromosome breaks off and is inserted into a non-homologous partner (chromosome)

Question 14

Give the definition of reciprocal translocation mutations in chromosomes

Answer 14

parts of two non-homologous chromosomes break off and switch with each other.