Mutations

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A change in the DNA sequence.

Front

What type of mutation involves the addition of one or more nucleotide bases?

Back

Insertion mutation.

Front

What type of mutation involves the loss of one or more nucleotide bases?

Back

Deletion mutation.

Front

What is a frameshift mutation?

Back

A mutation that shifts the reading frame of the genetic message, often caused by insertions or deletions.

Front

What is a chromosomal mutation?

Back

Mutations that involve parts of or all of a chromosome.

Front

What is an inversion mutation?

Back

A chromosomal mutation where a segment of the chromosome is reversed end to end.

Front

What is a translocation mutation?

Back

A chromosomal mutation where a segment of one chromosome breaks off and attaches to another chromosome.

Front

What is a duplication mutation?

Back

A chromosomal mutation where a segment of the chromosome is copied, resulting in multiple copies.

Front

Why are frameshift mutations often more harmful than substitution mutations?

Back

They change all of the codons from the mutation on down the line, which changes the amino acid sequence.

Front

What is a substitution mutation?

Back

A mutation where one base is replaced by another base in the DNA sequence.