Changes to DNA

As we know DNA provides the instructions to create a specific protein.

The the RNA that is attached to the ribosomes inside the cytoplasm assemble different proteins based on the instructions from the DNA

But what happens if the DNA has been changed in some way?

Mutation

DNA mutation video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

efstlgoynlk

Mutation

A change in the DNA or genetic code of the cell

A change in the specific ordering of A,T,C,G (Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine and Guanine)

A base me be added, taken away or substituted.

What is a mutation?

Usually, if a strand of DNA has been changed, enzymes will correct the change in both the parent and sister DNA so that no harm is done.

If the DNA is not repaired, then the RNA keeps the altered DNA instructions and replicates the incorrect information (i.e. buts the nucleotide bases in the incorrect order) in the Ribosomes and incorrect proteins will be created.

Mutation

A change in the DNA, or genetic code, of the cell is called a mutation.

There are three types of mutations: Some are classified as beneficial Some are neutral (they have not cause or

effect) Some are harmful

Mutation

A positive mutation can be beneficial to the fitness of an organism.

Examples of mutation can create a type of immunity to a disease or bacteria via the mutation of our genes.

Positive Mutation

A neutral mutation has no effect on the fitness of an organism.

An example of this is Kermode Bear, it has a genetic mutation that turned its fur into a white colour coat. This change in colour did d not increase or decrease its survival rate.

Neutral Mutation

A form of a negative mutation is one that is harmful to the body.

Examples of this can be the creation of cancer, a malfunction in producing the proper (or not producing) of any insulin or the improper creation of amino acids for haemoglobin.

Negative Mutation

Cancer is a disease in which cells divide very rapidly and uncontrollably.

A mutation in the DNA is created and it makes the cells creation happen at a really fast rate - faster than your body needs cell division.

If this genetic mutation attaches to the cells of your bone, it will increase the rate of bone growth at an abnormal speed

Cancer

Cancer cells keep reproducing faster and faster and faster

They accumulate in abnormal masses called tumours.

There are two types of tumours: Benign Tumours – they are masses of cells that grow

in one place only and usually do not interfere with the normal functioning of the surrounding tissue or organ.

Malignant tumours – they invade the surrounding tissues and interfere with normal functions of the tissues and organs.

Cancer

Cancer

Causes of cancer is called a carcinogen – an alteration to the DNA structure.

Carcinogens are found in products such as asbestos, certain pesticides, X-rays, UV rays, some viruses, and chemicals – especially ones found in tobacco.

Causes of Cancer and alterations to DNA

Factors that cause Cancer (DNA mu-tation)

Tobacco (32%)Diet (30%)Viruses (10%)STD's (7%)Environment (10%)Alcohol (3%)Sulight (1%)Food additives (2 %)Unknown (5%)

Factors that cause DNA mutation

Tumours can be removed surgically Radiation can be used to zone in on the

cancer cells and disrupting cell division in a rapidly dividing cancer cell area.

Chemotherapy is a drug that people take, it seeks out the cancer cells and stops the division of the cancer cells.

Treating Cancer

The side affects of radiation and chemotherapy is that they can kill fast-growing healthy cells such as skin cells, hair cells, and cells in specific organs like your stomach – this is why people who undergo treatment

have radiation burns, hair loss, nausea and vomiting.

Treating Cancer