Genetics

A gene mutation is

• a change in DNA (change in sequence of nucleotides)

• when pieces of chromosomes break off and get lost

• a change in the nucleoribosomal magnitude of the hyperdrive

What is a somatic mutation?

• mutation in body cell (not egg or sperm)

• mutation in a gamete

• mutation during meiosis

• chromosomal mutation

Do you pass on somatic mutations to your offspring?

• Yes

• No

Why don't you pass on somatic mutations to your offspring?

• Trick question—you CAN pass them on.

• Because somatic mutations are attacked and destroyed by your immune system before you can pass them on.

• Because your eggs/sperm don't have the mutation (cells in other parts of your body have it)

What kind of mutations ARE passed on to offspring?

• Germinal mutations—ones that happen while making eggs and sperm

• somatic mutations—ones that happen when body cells replicate

What does NOT cause gene mutations?

• mistakes when DNA is being replicated before cell division

• exposure to radiation can damage DNA

• highly reactive chemicals in the environment can damage DNA

• negative thoughts can damage DNA

Mutations are random

• true

• false

Mutations are the source of new _______________ (versions of genes) that can be good, bad, or neutral.

• alleles

• punnett bits

• chromosomes

• malfactory somatics

homozygous means

• you have 2 different alleles for a gene

• you have 2 of the same alleles for a gene

• you are missing alleles for a gene

an autosomal gene is found on

• one of the sex chromosomes (X or Y)

• any chromosome except the sex chromosomes

• in the mitochondria