Genetics in Action: Mutations

Hugo de Vries, a Dutch botanist, observed new varieties of evening primroses, similar to Mendel's findings. He termed these changes 'mutations,' which are rare genetic events that create new alleles. Mutations often have no or negative effects on organisms.

Who was the botanist that made additional observations on evening primroses?

• Carl Linnaeus

• Hugo de Vries

• Gregor Mendel

• Charles Darwin

What did Hugo de Vries notice about the evening primroses that was surprising?

• They could survive in any climate

• They had a new variety appear occasionally

• They grew faster than other plants

• They were resistant to diseases

What term did Hugo de Vries use to describe the sudden changes he observed?

• Adaptations

• Variations

• Transformations

• Mutations

What is a mutation?

• A change in a gene

• A genetic disorder

• A new species

• A type of plant

What is the usual effect of mutations on organisms?

• They always cause diseases

• They always improve the organism

• They make organisms more intelligent

• They have no effect or a negative effect