MONSTROUS MUTATIONS!!!

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MONSTROUS MUTATIONS!!!
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What is a mutation?

• Mutations are changes in DNA!
• However, these simple changes or mistakes can
  cause big changes in phenotypes of organisms!

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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!

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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.

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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 cells
  rate of division.

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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.

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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!

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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

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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.

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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.