Genetic Mutations and Their Effects

The video explores the concept of mutations, explaining that they are changes in genetic material, specifically in nucleic acids like RNA and DNA. It covers different types of mutations, including gene and chromosomal mutations, and their potential effects, such as frameshift mutations. The video also discusses how mutations can be inherited, using fruit flies as a study example, and provides a detailed case of sickle cell anemia as a gene mutation. It concludes with insights into genetic disorders and career opportunities in genetics.

What is a mutation in the context of genetic material?

• A change in the protein structure

• A change in the organism's behavior

• A change in the nucleic acid

• A change in the cell membrane

Which of the following organisms can experience mutations?

• Only animals

• Only plants

• All organisms with RNA or DNA

• Only humans

How can mutations affect an organism?

• They can be neutral, harmful, or beneficial

• They have no effect

• They are always beneficial

• They are always harmful

What is a frameshift mutation?

• A mutation that changes the reading frame of codons

• A mutation that duplicates a gene

• A mutation that deletes a chromosome

• A mutation that translocates a gene

Which type of mutation involves an extra base being added?

• Inversion

• Deletion

• Insertion

• Substitution

What is an example of a chromosomal mutation?

• Substitution

• Frameshift

• Insertion

• Duplication

What is nondisjunction?

• A mutation where a chromosome is deleted

• A mutation where a gene is duplicated

• A mutation where a base is substituted

• A mutation where chromosomes fail to separate properly

How can sickle cell anemia be inherited?

• By inheriting one mutated gene from one parent

• By inheriting two mutated genes, one from each parent

• By inheriting a mutated gene from a grandparent

• By inheriting a mutated gene from a sibling

What protective factor might carriers of the sickle cell gene have?

• Protection against diabetes

• Protection against cancer

• Protection against malaria

• Protection against the flu

What role do genetic counselors play?

• They diagnose genetic disorders

• They prevent genetic disorders

• They treat genetic disorders

• They help families understand genetic disorders