1. A mutation is any change in a DNA sequence.
2. Silent mutations are "silent" because they do not change the amino acid sequence of the protein.
3. Nonsense substitution mutations completely stop the translation process by creating a premature stop codon.
4. Insertion and deletion mutations are called "frameshift mutations" because they shift the reading frame of the codons, altering all subsequent amino acids.
5. Mutations will be passed on to future generations only if they occur in germ-line cells (sperm or egg cells).
6. False. Not all mutations are bad; some can be neutral or even beneficial.
7. True. Mutations can be passed from parent to child if they occur in germ-line cells.
8.
- Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence.
- Mitosis: The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.
- Crossing Over: The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.
- Mutagen: An agent that causes mutations.
- Nucleotide: The building block of DNA and RNA.
- Missense Mutation: A point mutation that changes one amino acid to another.
- Amino Acid: The building block of proteins.
- Codon: A sequence of three nucleotides that codes for a specific amino acid.
- Gene: A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein.
- Non-disjunction: The failure of chromosomes to separate properly during cell division.
- Gene Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence of a gene.
- Insertion: The addition of one or more nucleotides into a DNA sequence.
- Substitution: The replacement of one nucleotide with another.
- Deletion: The removal of one or more nucleotides from a DNA sequence.
- Silent Mutation: A point mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence.
- Meiosis: The process of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells).
- Chromosome Mutation: A change in the structure or number of chromosomes.
- Nonsense Mutation: A point mutation that creates a premature stop codon.
- Frameshift Mutation: A mutation caused by insertion or deletion of nucleotides that shifts the reading frame.
- Inversion: A chromosome mutation where a segment of a chromosome is reversed end to end.
- Duplication: A chromosome mutation where a segment of a chromosome is copied.
- Translocation: A chromosome mutation where a segment of one chromosome attaches to another chromosome.
- Variation: A difference in the characteristics of individuals within a population.
- Disorder: A condition that disrupts normal bodily functions.
9.
- Mutation #1: Inversion
- Mutation #2: Deletion
- Mutation #3: Duplication
- Mutation #4: Translocation
10.
- Original DNA: ATGCATCTAGGCA
- Mutated DNA #1: ATGCATCTAGGCA (No mutation)
- Mutated DNA #2: ATGCATCTAGGC (Deletion)
- Mutated DNA #3: ATGTATCTAGGCA (Substitution)
- Mutated DNA #4: ATGCATCTAGGCAT (Insertion)
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of mutation worksheet for middle school.
