Biology 7.4: Mutations

Front

What is a point mutation?

Back

A point mutation is a change in a single nucleotide base in the DNA sequence.

Front

What is another name for a point mutation?

Back

Substitution.

Front

What are insertion and deletion mutations?

Back

Mutations that add (insertion) or remove (deletion) nucleotide bases from the DNA sequence.

Front

Why are insertion and deletion mutations harmful?

Back

They change all of the codons from the mutation on down the line, which changes the amino acid sequence.

Front

What is a frameshift mutation?

Back

A mutation that shifts the reading frame of the genetic message, often caused by insertion or deletion.

Front

What is a deletion mutation?

Back

A type of frameshift mutation where a nucleotide base is removed from the DNA sequence.

Front

What is a substitution mutation?

Back

A mutation where one nucleotide base is replaced by another in the DNA sequence.

Front

What is transcription?

Back

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Front

What is the role of codons in mutations?

Back

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides that correspond to specific amino acids; mutations can alter these sequences.

Front

What is the difference between a silent mutation and a substitution mutation?

Back

A silent mutation does not change the amino acid sequence, while a substitution mutation does.