Mutations Figure 4-16 Genes control the traits you inherit. Without correctly coded Albinism, resulting in the lack of proteins, an organism can’t grow, repair, or maintain itself. If peliparellnai a eee a change occurs in a gene or chromosome, the traits of that Gibnsm generally @ help ora organism are changed, as illustrated in Figure 4-16. harmful mutation? Explain, Sometimes during replication, an error is made in copying a gene. Occasionally, a cell receives an entire extra chromo- some. Outside factors such as X rays and chemicals have been known to change or break chromosomes. Any permanent change in a gene or chromo- some of a cell is called a mutation. If the mutation occurs in a body cell, it may or may not be life threatening to the organ- ism. If, however, a mutation occurs in a sex cell, then all the cells that are formed from that sex cell will have that muta tion. Many mutations are harmful to organisms. Some mutations do not appear to have any effect on the organ- ism. Many times, an organism with a mutation doesn’t survive. But muta- tions also add variety to a species. Section Wrap-up Review 1. Which bases form pairs in a DNA molecule? 2. How does DNA make a copy of itself? There are four nitro- er gen bases that make 3. Think Critically: A single strand of DNA has the bases Up DNA. Groups of AGTAAC. Using letters, show what bases would match three bases code for up to form a matching DNA strand from this pattern. certain amino acids. Each three-base combi- Skill Builder nation is called a triplet. Concept Mapping Determine the total Using a network tree concept map, show how number of possible DNA and RNA are alike and how they are triplet codes made from different. If you need help, refer to Concept Mapping | the four bases. in the Skill Handbook. LeeeennnSSSRSONENNIOEED 4-3DNA 109