More on Mutations

Question 1

What are the 2 causes of Mutations?

Answer 1

• Chance - Most common cause
• Mutagens

Mutagens are some factors that can influence teh likelihood of mutations

Question 2

List some mutagens

Answer 2

1. X-rays
2. Ionising Radiation (sunlight)
3. Chemicals

Question 3

What is the chance of a mutation occurring?

Answer 3

2-30 x 10^-7

Question 4

What usually happens when a mutation occurs?

Answer 4

• Faulty DNA can be repaired by specific enzymes

Question 5

What is the most common result of a mutation?

Answer 5

• Production of inferior or no protein
• Results may be fatal or disease causing
• Occurss due to nearly 6 billion bases needing to be copied - doesn’t always happen accurately

Question 6

What is an uncommon effect of mutation?

Not very rare

Answer 6

• Neutral Mutation
• No change

Question 7

What is a very rare effect of mutation?

Answer 7

• Productio of new/superior protein
• Results may be gain of reproductive advantage

Question 8

What is the significance of Beneficial mutations?

Answer 8

Responsible for Evolution