Mutations

Based on the information provided about sickle cell disease, which hypothesis best predicts how a change in the gene could affect people who inherit sickle cell disease?

• This is a beneficial mutation because the cell shape increases blood flow.

• This is a harmful mutation because it decreases the cells’ ability to carry oxygen.

• This is a neutral mutation because it has no effect on the individual.

• This is a harmful mutation because it allows more red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

An animal is born with a mutation that results in larger than normal ears for its species. As a result, the animal is able to hunt both large and small prey. Which statement best describes this mutation?

• The mutation is beneficial, because the animal's ability to find food and survive increases.

• The mutation is neutral, because the animal still has to rely on hunting to gain food for survival.

• The mutation is harmful because the animal's ability to see clearly will decrease over time.

• The mutation is harmful, because the animal will have a harder time attracting mates.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by a mutation in a gene and results in an inability to digest certain foods. Children born with PKU must eat a special diet or they will develop symptoms of the disorder such as seizures, smaller-sized heads, and learning disabilities. PKU is inherited as a recessive trait. Which statement correctly pairs an argument about the mutation with evidence that supports the argument?

• The mutation is beneficial. Individuals with PKU have smaller-sized heads.

• The mutation is harmful. Individuals with PKU can have severe health problems.

• The mutation is harmful. PKU is inherited as a recessive trait.

• The mutation is neutral. PKU can be managed with a strict diet.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

The image shows a normal chromosome and a mutated chromosome with the gene for hair type labeled. What can be concluded about this mutation?

• The mutation is neutral because it does not reduce the length of the hair.

• The mutation will have a beneficial effect because it alters the DNA.

• The mutation is neutral because it results in the same trait.

• The mutation will have a harmful effect because it alters the DNA.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

Which argument summarizes the mutation in deer mice? A student reads that deer mice that migrated to the hills of Nebraska originally had dark colored coats. Over many years, due to a mutation, the coat color of the mice changed to a lighter color to blend in easily with the sand.

• It is a harmful mutation as it caused a change in the original coat color of mice.

• It is a beneficial mutation as it helped the mice survive in their new surroundings.

• It is a neutral mutation as the change in coat color did not affect any body functions in the mice, and only helped the survival of the deer mice living in Nebraska.

• It is a neutral mutation as only the deer mice living in Nebraska were affected, and all other populations were unaffected.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

Organize these options into the right categories

Groups:

(a) Beneficial Mutation

,

(b) Harmful Mutation

,

(c) Neutral Mutation

• Blue Eyes

• Dimples

• Enhanced Vision

• Cystic Fibrosis (damaged lungs)

• Pink Grasshopper

• Albinism

• Color Blindness

• Improved Immune Response

• Red Hair

• 
• Increased Oxygen Absorption

• Down Syndrome

• Increased Bone Density

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS3-1