MONSTROUS MUTATIONS!!!

1. MONSTROUS MUTATIONS!!!

2. What is a mutation? • Mutations are changes in DNA! • However, these simple changes or mistakes can cause big changes in phenotypes of organisms!

3. Mutations in reproductive cells… • If a mutation happened during the creation of the reproductive cells… • There could be non-functioning cells • New traits might be produced • Proteins may not work correctly • Embryo may not survive  • There can be positive effects though! • Faster or stronger cells!

4. Mutations in body cells… • If mutation is caused by radiation and it is a non-reproductive cell, the mutation may not be passed on to the offspring. • However, the mutation could cause problems for the individual. • Damage to the gene could impair the function of the cell. • Muscle cell may lose its ability to make the protein necessary for contraction • Skin cell may lose its elasticity.

5. Mutations in body cells… • When the cells divide, the new cells will have the same mutation! • Aging may be caused by a buildup of these mutated cells! • Cancer is also caused by a mutation in the cell’s rate of division.

6. Point Mutations • A point mutation changes a single base pair in the DNA sequence. • What could this cause? • Change in amino acid sequence • EX: THE DOG BIT THE CAT. THE DOG BIT THE CAR. This is a BIG difference! • In general, point mutations are less harmful than other mutations because it only changes one base in the sequence.

7. Frameshift Mutations • A frameshift mutation occurs when a single base is added or deleted from the DNA sequence. • This is a problem because it shifts the reading of codons by one base and thus a totally different protein is produced!

8. Chromosomal Mutations • Chromosomal mutations are changes at the chromosomal level. • Some of these changes may be caused by: • Chromosome parts breaking off • Lost parts of chromosomes • Parts that rejoin incorrectly • Parts that rejoin backwards or even the wrong chromosome part

9. Effects of Chromosomal Mutations: • Occurs most often in plants! • Few chromosomal mutations are passed on to the next generation because the zygote usually dies. • If the zygote lives and grows up, usually it is sterile and cannot produce offspring or pass on the mutated genes.

10. Causes of Mutations • Some mutations just happen! Similar to a silly mistake on a math problem. These are called SPONTANEOUS mutations! • Many mutations are caused by environmental factors, such as, radiation. • MUTAGENS are agents that can cause errors in DNA. • EX: high energy radiation, chemicals, high temperatures.