Mutations

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A mutation is any change in the sequence of DNA.

Front

Are all mutations harmful?

Back

No, not all mutations are harmful; some can be beneficial.

Front

What is a deletion mutation?

Back

A deletion mutation occurs when one or more nucleotides are removed from the DNA sequence.

Front

What is an insertion mutation?

Back

An insertion mutation occurs when one or more nucleotides are added to the DNA sequence.

Front

What is a substitution mutation?

Back

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

Front

Why are insertion and deletion 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 the effect of a beneficial mutation?

Back

A beneficial mutation increases the chances of survival for an organism.

Front

What is a frameshift mutation?

Back

A frameshift mutation is caused by insertions or deletions that change the reading frame of the genetic message.

Front

What is the role of mutations in evolution?

Back

Mutations introduce genetic variation, which is essential for evolution.

Front

Can mutations be inherited?

Back

Yes, mutations can be inherited if they occur in the germ cells.