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