1. Kinds of Mutations Point Mutation Occur at a single point in the DNA
Changes in one or few nucleotides
Substitutions – 1 base is changed to another
Insertions – base is inserted into DNA
Deletions – base is removed from DNA

2. Kinds of Mutations Frameshift Mutations
Can alter a protein so much that it can’t perform it’s normal functions (shift the reading frame of the entire genetic message)
Substitutions are not as detrimental as insertions or deletions because it only affects a single amino acid

3. Chromosomal Mutations
Involve changes in the number or structure of chromosomes
May change the locations of genes on a chromosomes

4. Significance of Mutations
Most mutations are neutral, meaning they have little or no effect
Source of genetic variability – highly beneficial
Harmful mutations cause genetic disorders

5. Significance of Mutations
Beneficial Mutations – may produce proteins that can be useful with changing environments
Polyploidy – extra sets of chromosomes (plants are larger, stronger than diploid plants)

6. Gene Regulation Differentiation
Cells because specialized in structure and function
“hox genes” control the differentiation of cells and tissues in the embryo
A mutation in these hox genes can affect how organs develop in the body