Flashcard 3-Unit 5-Types of Mutations

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome, which can lead to changes in the organism's traits.

Front

What are the main types of mutations?

Back

The main types of mutations are substitution, deletion, insertion, and inversion.

Front

Define substitution mutation.

Back

A substitution mutation occurs when one base pair in the DNA sequence is replaced by another base pair.

Front

What is a deletion mutation?

Back

A deletion mutation involves the loss of one or more nucleotide bases from a DNA sequence.

Front

Explain insertion mutation.

Back

An insertion mutation occurs when one or more nucleotide bases are added to a DNA sequence.

Front

What is an inversion mutation?

Back

An inversion mutation occurs when a segment of DNA is reversed within the chromosome.

Front

How does a deletion mutation affect gene function?

Back

A deletion mutation can disrupt normal gene function by removing essential coding sequences, potentially leading to nonfunctional proteins.

Front

What is the impact of a substitution mutation?

Back

A substitution mutation can lead to a change in a single amino acid in a protein, which may affect the protein's function.

Front

What is a frameshift mutation?

Back

A frameshift mutation occurs when nucleotides are added or deleted from the DNA sequence, altering the reading frame of the gene.

Front

How can mutations be beneficial?

Back

Mutations can introduce new traits that may provide a survival advantage, leading to evolution.