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DNA Mutations Notes

Mutations are changes in the number, type, or order of bases in a piece of DNA. Mutations can be caused by the deletion, insertion, or substitution of a base and may result in an improved, unchanged, or harmful trait. Mutations happen regularly during DNA replication but can also be caused by radiation or chemicals. A single base substitution can cause a genetic disease like sickle cell anemia.

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341 views

DNA Mutations Notes

Mutations are changes in the number, type, or order of bases in a piece of DNA. Mutations can be caused by the deletion, insertion, or substitution of a base and may result in an improved, unchanged, or harmful trait. Mutations happen regularly during DNA replication but can also be caused by radiation or chemicals. A single base substitution can cause a genetic disease like sickle cell anemia.

Uploaded by

maniasj
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DNA

Changes in Genes
MUTATIONS
Changes in Genes
• Mutations Changes in
the number, type, or
order of bases on a
piece of DNA are known
as mutations.

• Mutations may be
caused by the deletion,
insertion, or substitution
of a base.
Changes in Genes, continued

• Do Mutations Matter? Fortunately cells make


proteins that detect and repair errors in DNA.

• Sometimes errors are not repaired. There are three


possible consequences to changes in DNA:an
improved trait,no change, or a harmful trait.

• Mutations in the sex cells may be passed to the


next generation.
Changes in Genes, continued
• How Do Mutations Happen? Mutations happen
regularly because of random errors when DNA is
copied.

• Radiation and certain chemicals can also damage


DNA. Any physical or chemical agent that can
cause a mutation in DNA is called a mutagen.
An Example of Substitution
• A mutation, such as a substitution, can be harmful
because it may cause a gene to produce the wrong
protein.

• A simple change in an amino acid can cause a


disease such as sickle cell anemia, as shown on
the next slide.
Uses of Genetic Knowledge
• Genetic Engineering Scientists can manipulate
individual genes within organisms. This kind of
manipulation is called genetic engineering.

• Genes can be transferred from one organism to


another to create products such as drugs, foods, or
fabrics.

• Some scientists worry about the dangers of


creating genetically engineered organisms.
Uses of Genetic Knowledge, continued
• Genetic Identification Your DNA is unique, so it
can be used like a fingerprint to identify you.
individual’s DNA.

• DNA samples can be used to identify family


relations or hereditary diseases.

• Individuals with identical DNA are called clones.


Scientists have cloned several types of mammals,
but this practice is still being debated.

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