Mutations

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome.

Front

What are the main types of mutations?

Back

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

Front

What is a substitution mutation?

Back

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

Front

What is a deletion mutation?

Back

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

Front

What is an insertion mutation?

Back

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

Front

What is an inversion mutation?

Back

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

Front

What are mutagens?

Back

Mutagens are agents in the environment that can cause mutations, such as UV radiation, chemicals, and viruses.

Front

Why are frameshift mutations harmful?

Back

Frameshift mutations are harmful because they change all of the codons from the mutation on down the line, altering the amino acid sequence.

Front

What is a point mutation?

Back

A point mutation is a change in a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence.

Front

What is the worst type of point mutation for protein function?

Back

An insertion or deletion at the beginning of a gene is the worst type of point mutation for protein function.