MutationsWhat you need to know

Definition of Mutation

1. A random change in an organism’s DNA

Can be inherited – passed down from a parent to their offspringCan be caused by mutagens – mutation causing agents in the environment

Some mutagens are carcinogens

Mutation = a random change in an organism’s DNA

Some mutations occur with large parts of the

chromosome

Chromosomes have a long arm and a short arm.

Deletion – Removal of part of one arm of a chromosome

Inversion – Part of a chromosome arm is flipped

Duplication – Part of a chromosome arm is included twice

A deletion on the short arm of Chromosome #1….This means part of chromosome #1 is missing from the short side.

Chromosome 14 has a mutation (Possibly a deletion?)

Trisomies and Monosomies

One chromosome pair either has three (Trisomy) or only one (Monosomy) chromosome

Trisomy 21 (Down’s Syndrome) Turner’s Syndrome – Monosomy in Sex Chromosomes

Result of a Mutation?

The job of DNA is to hold a code that tells your body to make a certain protein. These may be pigments (coloring), enzymes (help chemical reactions in your body happen), or other proteins

If your DNA has a mutation, your body won’t correctly make that protein. This can cause no problems, small problems, or very big problems for your body.

What Can Mutations

Do?

Mutations can be POSITIVE(helpful)

Some mutations can provide an advantage which helps the organism survive

Some mutations do not effect the organism’s survival (the mutation does not help or hurt the organism)

Mutations can be NEUTRAL

(not harmful, not helpful)

syndactyly

bright green feather mutation

bright green feather mutation

Normal (dark green feathers)Normal (dark green feathers)

Some mutations are harmful, and hurt the organism’s chances for survival

Mutated blood cell (person with sickle

cell anemia)

Normal red blood cell

Mutations can be NEGATIVE(harmful)

Some mutations can be helpful

Some mutations can be harmful

Some mutations can have no effect(NEUTRAL)

A mutation may be POSITIVE, or NEUTRAL, or NEGATIVE

depending on the environment

Which bird would have the best chances of survival in a forest where all the leaves were BLUE?

Research PaperGenetic Disorders

Topics

You will choose a topic out of a box

No two people in the class will have the same topic

You are to do all work alone – research and writing

Resources

You may use websites that end in .edu, .org, .gov

You may use any specific websites I give you

You may NOT use wikipedia, Yahoo, About.com or similar websites – they are not reliable

Keep track of the resources you use, as you will need to include a resource page (APA Format) with your assignment

Product

You are to create a informational brochure, like you would see in the doctor’s office

You CANNOT copy any information into the brochure – it MUST be in your words, and your words only

You will hand in the brochure, all notes you took, and a resource page