1. Mutations

2. What are mutations?
Mutations are a change in DNA that causes a different protein to be made.

3. What causes mutations?
Many forms of energy and chemicals can damage DNA.
Examples:
X-rays
UV light
Nitrous acid
Ethidium bromide
Benzene

4. What effect can mutations have?
Mutations can have three effects:
No change – a different protein is formed; the protein works exactly the same.
Harm – a different protein is formed that works poorly or not at all.
Benefit – a different protein is formed that works better.

5. How are mutations passed on?
Mutations in sex-cells can be passed on.
Mutations in cells in ovaries or testes can be passed on if they turn into eggs or sperm cells.
Mutations in body cells cannot be passed on.
Mutation in a skin cell can’t be passed to the next generation.

6. How can we determine if a mutations occurred?
A karyotype can show if a mutation occurred.
Changes in the chromosome structure will appear for some mutations.