Mutation Notes

Genetic Changes
Mutations
• Any change in the DNA Sequence
• Mutagen causes mutation
• Ex: X ray UV Radiation, nuclear radiation, asbestos

Results of Mutations

Reproductive cells (gametes, sex cells, pollen)

• May produce a protein that does not work correctly this causes cell structure
damage
• function problems in the cell.
• Defective offspring
• Results!! Embryo may not survive.

• Non Reproductive Cells (skin cells)

• - cancer
• -Aging
• -Missing proteins (or enzymes)

* A positive mutation can occur in some rare cases such as an organism receiving a
mutation that makes it faster or stronger.
• This mutation can cause an organism and its offspring to become better
survivors in its environment.

Kinds of Mutations

Examples of Mutations in DNA

Frameshift-a mutation in which a single base is added to or deleted from DNA

• GATTACAGCA….-> GTTACAGC…
• The A has been deleted, changing the codon or frames afterwards
• Types of frameshift mutations are called insertation and deletion.
• Proteins usually do not function correctly because it affects nearly every amino
acid in the protein chain.

Point mutation is a change in a single base pair

• GCATTG…-> GCAATG
• This usually just changes the codon.
• This may or may not interfere with protein function.