What is a mutation?
Reveal answer
A random change in DNA base sequence.
Key words: random
4(b) INHERITANCE · RECALL
4.34 Mutation
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Why do most mutations have no effect?
Reveal answer
Non-coding DNA or same amino acid coded.
Key words: non-coding
What do mutations create?
Reveal answer
New alleles.
Key words: alleles
What is meant by the term mutation?
Reveal answer
Change in DNA base sequence or chromosome structure/number.
Key words: mutation
What is meant by the term somatic mutation?
Reveal answer
Mutation occurring in a non-reproductive body cell.
Key words: somatic mutation
What is meant by the term germline mutation?
Reveal answer
Mutation in a gamete or cell lineage producing gametes.
Key words: germline mutation
What is meant by the term mutagen?
Reveal answer
Agent that increases mutation rate.
Key words: mutagen
Mutation contexts: for Somatic cell, give the immediate effect and the inheritance potential.
Reveal answer
Immediate effect: Changes one body-cell lineage. Inheritance potential: Usually not inherited.
Key words: Somatic cell
Mutation contexts: for Germline/gamete, give the immediate effect and the inheritance potential.
Reveal answer
Immediate effect: Changes reproductive DNA. Inheritance potential: Can be inherited.
Key words: Germline/gamete
Mutation contexts: for Substitution, give the immediate effect and the inheritance potential.
Reveal answer
Immediate effect: One base replaced. Inheritance potential: May be silent/missense/nonsense.
Key words: Substitution
Mutation contexts: for Insertion/deletion, give the immediate effect and the inheritance potential.
Reveal answer
Immediate effect: Base(s) added/removed. Inheritance potential: May shift reading frame.
Key words: Insertion/deletion
Mutation contexts: for Chromosome change, give the immediate effect and the inheritance potential.
Reveal answer
Immediate effect: Large DNA amount/arrangement altered. Inheritance potential: Potentially broad effects.
Key words: Chromosome change
True or false, and why? “Mutations are always harmful.”
Reveal answer
False. They can be harmful, neutral or occasionally beneficial depending on context.
True or false, and why? “Mutation is the same as natural selection.”
Reveal answer
False. Mutation creates variants; selection changes reproductive success among variants.
True or false, and why? “Every body-cell mutation is inherited by children.”
Reveal answer
False. Only mutations in germline cells can usually be inherited.