Genes and Mutations

By Shobha Nandagopal

Task 1

Listen to the lecture on Genes and Mutations.

Task 2

Fill in the cause and effect chart given below based on the lecture you have just listened to.

CAUSE	EFFECT
1.      genes	give rise to specific traits or characteristics
2.	small changes in the DNA base sequence
3.      a missing protein blood clotting factor
4.      a rare mutation
5.	enables life to overcome environmental challenges
6.      errors in DNA replication
7.      chemicals or radiation
8.      exposure to environmental agents
9.	sickle cell disease, haemophilia, Huntington’s disease

Task 3

Give short answers to the following questions.

1.      What are genes?

2.      What causes mutation?

3.      Name any two factors that can cause mutation.

4.      Name any two genetic disorders mentioned in the lecture.

5.       ‘Not all mutation is harmful.’ Justify the statement.

Scroll down the page to check your answers.

Task 2

Answer key:

CAUSE	EFFECT
1.      genes	give rise to  specific traits
2.      mutation	small changes in the DNA base sequence
3.      a missing protein blood clotting factor	haemophilia
4.      a rare mutation	resistance to HIV infection
5.      mutation	enables life to overcome environmental challenges
6.      errors in DNA replication	mutation
7.      chemicals or radiation	mutation
8.      exposure to environmental agents	mutation
9.      molecular abnormality/mutation	sickle cell disease, haemophilia

Task 3

Give short answers to the following questions.

1.      What are genes?

sets of biochemical instructions that tell cells how to manufacture certain proteins

2.      What causes mutation?

sometimes errors occur in DNA replication due to various reasons

3.      Name any two factors that can cause mutation.

chemicals, radiation, exposure to environmental agents

4.      Name any two genetic disorders mentioned in the lecture.

sickle cell disease, Huntington’s disease, haemophilia

5.      ‘Not all mutation is harmful.’ Justify the statement.

It is DNA’s ability to mutate that enables life to overcome environmental changes.

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