Flashcard on Mutations

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A permanent change in a DNA sequence.

Front

What is the role of repair enzymes in genetic material?

Back

They scan for and attempt to fix errors.

Front

What is a mutagen?

Back

An environmental factor or chemical that causes mutations.

Front

What is the effect of most mutations?

Back

They have no effect on an organism.

Front

Which of the following can cause mutations?

Back

Replication errors and mutagens.

Front

What are the two main types of mutations?

Back

Gene mutations and chromosomal mutations.

Front

What is a gene mutation?

Back

A change in the nucleotide sequence of a gene.

Front

What is a chromosomal mutation?

Back

A change in the structure or number of chromosomes.

Front

What is a point mutation?

Back

A mutation that affects a single nucleotide.

Front

What is a frameshift mutation?

Back

A mutation that shifts the reading frame of the genetic message.