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04. Mutations Changing the Code Clickview Questions

The document discusses mutations in DNA, including their causes, types, and effects on human health. It explains concepts such as spontaneous mutations, inheritable vs. somatic mutations, and the role of radiation and chemicals in causing mutations. Additionally, it covers the relationship between diet, cancer risk, and the Ames test for detecting mutagens.

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7 views

04. Mutations Changing the Code Clickview Questions

The document discusses mutations in DNA, including their causes, types, and effects on human health. It explains concepts such as spontaneous mutations, inheritable vs. somatic mutations, and the role of radiation and chemicals in causing mutations. Additionally, it covers the relationship between diet, cancer risk, and the Ames test for detecting mutagens.

Uploaded by

sarahbmeehan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mutations – Changing the Code Clickview Questions

1. DNA effectively functions as the instructions for what?


DNA carries the genetic instructions required for growth, development,
functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms.

2. When the genetic code has changed, we say it has mutated.

3. What do we call mutations that happen by chance?


Spontaneous mutations.

4. Name two human diseases that are known to be caused by mutations?


Two human diseases known to be caused by mutations such as haemophilia
and cystic fibrosis.

5. Explain the difference between inheritable and somatic mutations?


Inheritable mutations are changes that take place in a cell which produce
gametes by miosis. Somatic mutations take place in the body cells of an
organism which divide by mitosis.

6. How many bases of DNA make up a codon? Three.

7. When each codon is read what is produced ie. What do codons code for?
A specific amino acid.

8. Name at least three different types of mutation that can happen in a gene.
Three types of mutations that can happen in a gene are insertion, substitution,
and deletion.

frameshift
9. An insertion of a single base into DNA can cause a mutation?
10. The two types of radiation are? Give an example of each?
The two types of radiation are non-ionising radiation, such as microwaves and
ionizing radiation which includes UV light which comes from the sun or tanning
lamps, and can lead to cancer.

11. Which type of radiation is known to cause mutation?


Ionizing radiation.

12. Would attending a solarium every day increase your chance of skin cancer? Explain
your answer.
Yes, because exposure to UV radiation which is ionizing can cause damage to
DNA and increase mutation rates in skin cells.

13. Name a group of chemicals that cause mutation?


A group of chemicals which cause mutations are alkylating agents such as mustard gas.

14. Where might we find these chemicals?


We can find these chemicals in chemotherapy drugs, industrial chemicals,
tobacco smoke, etc.

15. How do base analogs work in cancer treatment? What side effects can be caused by
their use? Explain your answer.
Base analogs mimic normal DNA bases and disrupt replication, which kills cancer
cells, but can also affect healthy cells which causes side effects such as nausea
and hair loss.
16. A diet high in fatty foods and meat is known to increase the risk of which type of
cancer?
Colorectal cancer.

17. UV light causes which bases to crosslink?


Thymine.

18. How does the indirect effect of UV light work?


UV light can create free radicals which are reactive molecules which can damage DNA
throughout the body. (When two thymine base pairs are next to one another in a gene, UVB
light can cause them to bond to one another instead of their usual pair.) – direct affect

19. Explain the two different ways viruses can cause mutations in our genes?
The two ways viruses can cause mutations in our genes are insertion of their
DNA into host genes, disrupting their normal function, and producing proteins
which interfere with cell regulation which lead to uncontrolled growth.

20. A mutagen that increases the chances of a cancer is called a?


A mutagen which increases the chance of cancer is called a carcinogen.

21. Name the two different types of genes important in cancer development?
The two different genes important in cancer development are oncogenes and
tumour suppressor genes.

22. What is the Ames test and how does it detect mutagens?
The Ames test uses bacteria with a mutated gene, to discover whether a substance
is carcinogenic. It uses a genetically altered bacteria so it won’t grow on a certain
type of surface, and if the chemicals are mutagens, they’ll cause mutation in the
bacteria, which will allow it to grow on the test surface. The more mutagenic the
chemical, the more bacteria that will grow on the test surface

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