DNA Mutations Reading and Worksheet - Flying Colors Science - Free Printable

Let’s fill in the graphic organizer step by step, using what we know about DNA mutations.

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Step 1: “Are changes in…”

DNA mutations are changes in the genetic code or DNA sequence.
So we can write:
→ THE GENES (or DNA)

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Step 2: “inborn” and “acquired”

Mutations can be:
- Inborn = present at birth, inherited from parents → also called *germline* mutations.
- Acquired = happen during life, not inherited → also called *somatic* mutations.

So under “inborn”, define it:
→ (define inborn): Mutations you’re born with — passed down from your parents.

Under “acquired”:
→ (define acquired): Mutations that happen after you’re born — caused by things like sun, chemicals, or copying errors.

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Step 3: Examples of diseases

For inborn mutations:
Examples include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Huntington’s disease.

For acquired mutations:
Examples include many cancers (like lung cancer from smoking, skin cancer from UV rays).

So:
→ Examples of diseases that are caused by inborn mutations are…: Cystic fibrosis, Sickle cell anemia
→ Examples of diseases that are caused by acquired mutations are…: Lung cancer, Skin cancer

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Step 4: “Harmful, Neutral,”

Mutations can be:
- Harmful (cause disease)
- Neutral (no effect)
- Beneficial (helpful — rare, but possible!)

So add:
→ Beneficial

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Step 5: “Over time, can lead to changes in…”

Mutations over time can lead to changes in species or evolution.

So:
→ become new species / evolution

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Step 6: “Include 3 main types…”

The 3 main types of gene mutations are:
1. Substitution
2. Deletion
3. Insertion

We already see “deletion” and “insertion” listed. So the missing one is:

→ substitution

Now define them:

- Substitution: One base is swapped for another.
Example: A-T becomes G-C

- Deletion: One or more bases are removed.
→ (define deletion): When a piece of DNA is left out or deleted.

- Insertion: One or more extra bases are added.
→ (define insertion): When extra DNA bases are added into the sequence.

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Now let’s put it all together neatly.

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Final Answer:

DNA MUTATIONS

→ Are changes in… THE GENES (DNA)
→ Can be: inborn OR acquired
 • (define inborn): Mutations you’re born with — passed down from your parents.
  • (define acquired): Mutations that happen after you’re born — caused by environment or mistakes.
→ Examples of diseases from inborn mutations: Cystic fibrosis, Sickle cell anemia
→ Examples of diseases from acquired mutations: Lung cancer, Skin cancer
→ Types: Harmful, Neutral, Beneficial
→ Over time, can lead to changes in… species / evolution
→ Include 3 main types:
  1. substitution (one base replaced)
  2. deletion → (define deletion): When a piece of DNA is left out or deleted.
  3. insertion → (define insertion): When extra DNA bases are added into the sequence.

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