Mutations
•Mutations are changes in the number, type, or order of bases on a piece of DNA.
•There are three main kinds of mutations: deletions, insertions, and substitutions.
•In a deletion mutation, a base is left out.
•In an insertion mutation, an extra base is added.
•The most common mutation, substitution, happens when one base replaces another.
•Mutations can happen by random error, and also by damage to the DNA molecule by physical or chemical agents called mutagens.
•Cells make proteins that can fix errors in DNA, but sometimes the mistake is not corrected.
•The mistake then becomes part of the genetic code.
•A genetic disorder results from mutations that harm the normal function of the cell.
•Some genetic disorders are inherited, or passed on from parent to offspring.
•Other disorders result from mutations during a person’s lifetime. Most cancers fall in this category.
•There are three main kinds of mutations: deletions, insertions, and substitutions.
•In a deletion mutation, a base is left out.
•In an insertion mutation, an extra base is added.
•The most common mutation, substitution, happens when one base replaces another.
•Mutations can happen by random error, and also by damage to the DNA molecule by physical or chemical agents called mutagens.
•Cells make proteins that can fix errors in DNA, but sometimes the mistake is not corrected.
•The mistake then becomes part of the genetic code.
•A genetic disorder results from mutations that harm the normal function of the cell.
•Some genetic disorders are inherited, or passed on from parent to offspring.
•Other disorders result from mutations during a person’s lifetime. Most cancers fall in this category.
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png)
mutations_worksheet.pdf |
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png)
dna_mutations_practice_worksheet.pdf |
Answer key
![]()
|
![]()
![]()
![]()
|