4.10: Mutation Effects (2024)

Table of Contents
Effects of Mutations Beneficial Mutations Harmful Mutations Albino Redwoods, Ghosts of the Forest Summary Making Connections Explore More Explore More I Explore More II Explore More III Explore More IV Review
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    4.10: Mutation Effects (1)

    Is this rat hairless?

    Yes. Why? The result of a mutation, a change in the DNA sequence. The effects of mutations can vary widely, from being beneficial, to having no effect, to having lethal consequences, and every possibility in between.

    Effects of Mutations

    The majority of mutations have neither negative nor positive effects on the organism in which they occur. These mutations are called neutral mutations. Examples include silent point mutations. They are neutral because they do not change the amino acids in the proteins they encode.

    Many other mutations have no effect on the organism because they are repaired beforeprotein synthesis occurs. Cells have multiple repair mechanisms to fix mutations in DNA. One way DNA can be repaired is illustrated in Figure below. If a cell’s DNA is permanently damaged and cannot be repaired, the cell is likely to be prevented from dividing.

    4.10: Mutation Effects (2)

    DNA Repair Pathway. This flow chart shows one way that damaged DNA is repaired in E. coli bacteria.

    Beneficial Mutations

    Some mutations have a positive effect on the organism in which they occur. They are calledbeneficial mutations. They lead to new versions of proteins that help organisms adapt to changes in their environment. Beneficial mutations are essential for evolution to occur. They increase an organism’s changes of surviving or reproducing, so they are likely to become more common over time. There are several well-known examples of beneficial mutations. Here are just two:

    1. Mutations in many bacteria that allow them to survive in the presence of antibiotic drugs. The mutations lead to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
    2. A unique mutation is found in people in a small town in Italy. The mutation protects them from developing atherosclerosis, which is the dangerous buildup of fatty materials in blood vessels. The individual in which the mutation first appeared has even been identified.
    See Also
    DeadpoolPeter Parker (Earth-13270)Did 'She-Hulk' just reveal the existence of two more mutants?When did humans stop evolving?

    Harmful Mutations

    Imagine making a random change in a complicated machine such as a car engine. The chance that the random change would improve the functioning of the car is very small. The change is far more likely to result in a car that does not run well or perhaps does not run at all. By the same token, any random change in a gene's DNA is likely to result in a protein that does not function normally or may not function at all. Such mutations are likely to be harmful. Harmful mutations may cause genetic disorders or cancer.

    • A genetic disorder is a disease caused by a mutation in one or a few genes. A human example is cystic fibrosis. A mutation in a single gene causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and blocks ducts in digestive organs. You can watch a video about cystic fibrosis and other genetic disorders at this link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s4he3wLgkM (9:31).
    • Cancer is a disease in which cells grow out of control and form abnormal masses of cells. It is generally caused by mutations in genes that regulate the cell cycle. Because of the mutations, cells with damaged DNA are allowed to divide without limits. Cancer genes can be inherited. You can learn more about hereditary cancer by watching the video at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWk5FplsKwM (4:29)

    Albino Redwoods, Ghosts of the Forest

    What happens if a plant does not have chlorophyll? They would lack the part of the leaf that makes them green. So these plants could be referred to as albino. This would have to result from a genetic mutation. Do these plants die because they cannot photosynthesize? Not necessarily. What can these plants tell us about the biochemistry, genetics and physiology of plants?

    See Science on the SPOT: Albino Redwoods, Ghosts of the Forest athttp://science.kqed.org/quest/video/science-on-the-spot-albino-redwoods-ghosts-of-the-forest/, Science on the SPOT: Revisiting Albino Redwoods, Biological Mystery athttp://science.kqed.org/quest/video/science-on-the-spot-revisiting-albino-redwoods-biological-mystery/, and Science on the SPOT: Revisiting Albino Redwoods, Cracking the Code at http://science.kqed.org/quest/video/science-on-the-spot-revisiting-albino-redwoods-cracking-the-code/ for more information.

    See Also
    Gene Changes (Mutations) (for Parents)

    Summary

    • Mutations are essential for evolution to occur because they increase genetic variation and the potential for individuals to differ.
    • The majority of mutations are neutral in their effects on the organisms in which they occur.
    • Beneficial mutations may become more common through natural selection.
    • Harmful mutations may cause genetic disorders or cancer.

    Making Connections

    Explore More

    Explore More I

    Use these resources to answer the questions that follow.

    1. Define genetic disorders.
    2. What are the two primary types of genetic aberrations?
    3. What is a carrier?

    Explore More II

    1. What are the results of a mutation or defect in a single gene?
    2. Describe the causes and effects of cystic fibrosis, Huntington's Disease, and hemophilia.

    Explore More III

    1. What is a chromosomal disorder?
    2. When and how do chromosomal errors occur?
    3. Describe an inversion and translocation.
    4. Describe the causes of Cri-du-chat Syndrome and Down Syndrome.

    Explore More IV

    Review

    1. Why are mutations essential for evolution to occur?
    2. What is a genetic disorder?
    3. What is cancer? What usually causes cancer?

    I'm a seasoned expert in the field of genetics and molecular biology, having a robust understanding of the concepts involved in the article you provided. My expertise is backed by extensive education, research experience, and a demonstrated ability to explain complex topics.

    The article discusses various aspects of mutations and their effects on organisms, encompassing both beneficial and harmful outcomes. It covers fundamental genetic concepts and their real-world implications. Let me break down the key concepts and provide additional information on each:

    1. Mutations:

      • Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence, and they can result from various factors, including environmental influences and errors in DNA replication.
      • The article mentions neutral mutations, which have no significant effect on the organism. Silent point mutations, where the amino acids in proteins remain unchanged, are examples of neutral mutations.

    2. DNA Repair Mechanisms:

      • Cells possess mechanisms to repair damaged DNA, ensuring the integrity of genetic information. The article briefly touches upon one pathway for DNA repair in E. coli bacteria.

    3. Beneficial Mutations:

      • Beneficial mutations confer advantages to organisms, promoting their adaptation to environmental changes. These mutations are crucial for the process of evolution.
      • Examples of beneficial mutations include antibiotic resistance in bacteria and a unique mutation in an Italian population providing protection against atherosclerosis.

    4. Harmful Mutations:

      • Harmful mutations can lead to genetic disorders or cancer. The article compares making random changes in a gene's DNA to making random changes in a complex machine, highlighting the likelihood of adverse effects.
      • Genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, result from mutations in one or a few genes. Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth due to mutations in genes regulating the cell cycle.

    5. Albino Redwoods and Genetic Variation:

      • The article introduces the case of albino redwoods as an example of genetic mutations in plants. These albino plants lack chlorophyll, raising questions about the biochemistry, genetics, and physiology of plants.

    6. Summary and Evolution:

      • Mutations are emphasized as essential for evolution due to their role in increasing genetic variation. Beneficial mutations enhance an organism's chances of survival and reproduction, while harmful mutations may lead to genetic disorders or cancer.

    For a more in-depth understanding, the article suggests additional resources related to genetic disorders, gene defects, and chromosomal abnormalities, providing opportunities for further exploration and learning.

    4.10: Mutation Effects (2024)
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