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SCIENCE
 MUTATION: Changes in the Genetic Code

WHAT IS THIS MODULE ABOUT?

Dear Learners,

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 In the past lesson, you have learned about the blueprint of life and
the processes in protein synthesis. This module is for you to further learn
about mutation or the changes that can take place in some portions of
DNA. Knowing this can help you realize how mutation can alter a protein’s
structure and function.

HOW TO LEARN FROM THIS MODULE?

Here are some pointers that you have to follow as you go over this
module. Following these can help you accomplish the lesson successfully.

1. Read and follow the instructions carefully.

2. Do not forget to take the pre-assessment and post-assessment. There
are key to corrections on the last part of this module, you can check
if you got the correct answer.
3. Be honest in answering.
4. Read and perform the activities given as instructed.
5. If ideas are not clear, you can always go back to the pages it was
discussed.
6. Finally, there are references and web links found at the end of this
module. You can check it out for further readings.

CHECK YOUR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE (Pre-Assessment)

Before you proceed with this module, let us first check out how much you
already know of the topic to be discussed.

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE. Read the statements found below the puzzle. Write
your answer on the specific horizontal or vertical boxes. Enjoy!
1.P R O 7.T E I N

R
9.
A 8.H
U
2. N A E R 10. P

S L 3. A U G H

L I C E

4. T R A N S C R I P T I O N

T A L Y

I S L

5. C O D O N E A

N L
6.
R N A
r
N

ACROSS
1. Biomolecules that are composed of amino acid units.
2. A double helix molecule composed of complementary strands that is
considered as the blueprint of life.
3. The codon sequence that marks the start of replication process.
4. The process of copying DNA sequence into RNA.
5. The three-base sequence that code for a certain amino acid.
6. A type of RNA present in the ribosomes to catalyze the assembly of
amino acids into proteins.
DOWN
7. The synthesis of a protein using the information carried by the
messenger RNA.
8. An enzyme that breaks the bond between nitrogenous bases.
9. The base pair of adenine in RNA.
10. The codes UUU and UUC stand for what amino acid?

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Check your answers on page 9
 WHAT WILL YOU LEARN FROM THIS MODULE?
At the end of this module, you should be able to

 explain how mutations cause changes in the structure and

function of a protein.

LET’S BEGIN!
Take a look at the following statements. What have you observed?

THE DOG BIT THE CAT.

THE DOG BIT THE CAR.
THE DOB ITT HEC AR.
THE BIT DOG THE CAT.

Did you see how a change in a letter of a word also changes the
whole meaning of the sentence? Consider if this happens to the sequence
of our proteins. What might happen if an incorrect amino acid was inserted,
deleted or changed places? Let us discover what this alteration is and how
it can affect the structure and function of a protein.

In the process of DNA replication, the DNA copies itself semi-

conservatively producing multiple copies of itself. Errors, deletions, and
duplication of nucleotide sequences can happen during replication. These
processes result in the change in a gene or chromosome, called mutation.
These are departures from what is normal or a desirable set of
chromosomes either for an individual or from a species.

Mutation occurs when there is a disruption of complimentary base

pairing which results to a change in the DNA sequence. If the DNA
sequence is changed, the amino acids that make up the protein is also
assembled in a different order. When the incorrect sequence of amino

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acids is folded into proteins such as enzymes, the proteins may be
defective. Defective proteins then disrupt metabolic processes which, as a
result, the organism is affected.

TYPES OF MUTATIONS BY THEIR EFFECT ON THE DNA MOLECULE

 Deletion – occur when there is loss of a part of a chromosome.

 Inversion – a particular nucleotide sequence is reversed.

 Reciprocal Translocation – parts of chromosomes change places.

Causes of Mutations

DNA fails to copy accurately.

In molecular biology and genetics, mutations are accidental

changes in the DNA sequence. There are times when the cell divides and
makes a copy of its DNA; the copy is not perfect, so it is called a mutant.
The small difference from the original DNA sequence is a mutation.

External factors may cause mutations.

Mutations can also be caused by exposure of living cells to radiation

or toxic chemicals called mutagens. These agents may cause DNA
molecules to break down. When the cell repairs the DNA, there are times
when the repaired one is different from the original one. Hence, a mutation
has occurred.

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Disorders Related to Mutation

Mutations of the chromosomes directly affect genes, which can

cause genetic disorders in most organisms. For instance

1. Sickle-cell Anemia – a genetic blood

disorder. A person who inherits two defective genes
will have abnormally shaped red blood cells and may
die at an early stage.

2. Phenylketonuria or PKU – a rare genetic

disorder that can cause serious mental retardation in
infants. An infant who has this kind of disorder cannot
break down phenylalanine (chemical found in food)
that builds up in the body in which the brain is
affected. Figure 1 Difference between a
Normal Red Blood Cell and

3. Cri-du-chat or Cat’s Cry Syndrome – Sickled Red Blood Cells

characterized by a high-pitched cry as a kitten. Cri-

du-chat is due to the deletion of one small portion of chromosome
number 5. Individuals with this syndrome usually have a malfunctioned
larynx, head and face.

LET’S DO THIS

CHROMIE CHANGE
(Adapted from SCIENCE-GRADE10 Learner’s Material)

I. OBJECTIVES:

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 1. Illustrate the effect of the three kinds of mutation on the structure
of a protein using plants as a model.
2. Explain how these mutations affect the function of proteins.

II. MATERIALS:
Pansit-pansitan Plant
Niyug-niyogan Plant
Scotch Tape
Scissors

III. PROCEDURE:
A. Translocation
1. The pansit-pansitan and niyug-niyogan plants will serve as
the protein and its parts will be the different amino acids.
2. Break either the roots, stem or leaves of the pansit-pansitan
and either the roots, stem or leaves of the niyug-niyogan
(make sure the parts are the same). Exchange these parts
and attach them to each of the other using a scotch tape.
Guide Questions:
1. Describe the plants.

2. Do you think it would still function just like the original

plants? Explain.

B. Deletion
1. Take the pansit-pansitan as a model of a chromatid (one
of the duplicated copies of a chromosome).
2. Remove a portion of it (either the roots, stem or leaves). If
you removed the stem, attach the other parts back using a
scotch tape.
Guide Questions:
1. Describe the pansit-pansitan.

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 2. Do you think it would still function just like the original plant?
Explain.

C. Inversion
1. Take the niyug-niyogan and use it as a chromatid model.
2. Cut the stem part and the root part.
3. Reinsert it back in reverse.
Guide Questions:
1. Describe the niyug-niyogan.

2. Do you think it would still function just like the original plant?
Explain.

VI. CONCLUSION

LET’S SUM IT UP!

Now that you have finished the activity, it is now time to sum
up what you have learned.
 Mutations are any change in the protein/DNA structure.
 Three types of mutations are: translocation, deletion and inversion.

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 If mutation occurs, it will change the structure of a protein and it
may also alter its function. Defective proteins then disrupt metabolic
processes which, as a result, the organism is affected.

HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED? (Post-Assessment)

IDENTIFICATION

Identify the term/phrase being described in each statement.

Choose the correct answers from the words inside the box. Write
your answer on the space provided before the number.

Inversion Deletion Cri-du-chat Mutation

Translocation Phenylketonuria Sickle-cell Anemia

Mutant Mutagen

1. A disorder characterized by a high-pitched cry as a

kitten.
2. What do you call the agents that cause mutation by
exposure of living cells to radiation or toxic chemicals?
3. A genetic blood disorder characterized by having
abnormally shaped red blood cells.
4. This is any alterations in the protein/DNA structure.
5. This occurs when there is loss of a part of a
chromosome.
6. This disorder is due to the deletion of one small
portion of chromosome number 5.
7. A rare genetic disorder that can cause serious
mental retardation in infants.
8. What do you call the organism wherein the copy of
the DNA not perfect?
9. This mutation occurs when parts of chromosomes
change places.
10. A particular nucleotide sequence is reversed.

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 Check your answers on page 10

REFERENCES
Department of Education, Science Grade 10 – Learners Module

M. P. Valdez, M. D. Aquino, J. A. Biong, M. O. Andaya (2015), Science

Links: Worktext for Scientific and Technological Literacy, Rex Book
Store, Inc. 2015

Carmelita M. Capco, Phoenix Science Series: Biology, Phoenix Publishing

House, Inc., 2003

https://link.quipper.com/en/organizations/547fe429d11ff0000200390c/curr
iculum#curriculum

ANSWER KEY
CHECK YOUR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE (Pre-Assessment)
Across
1. Protein
2. DNA
3. rRNA
4. Polymerase
5. AUG
6. Codon

Down
7. Translation
8. Phenylalanine
9. Helicase
10. Uracil

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HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED? (Post-Assessment)
1. Cri-du-chat
2. Mutagen
3. Sickle-cell Anemia
4. Mutation
5. Deletion
6. Cri-du-chat
7. Phenylketonuria
8. Mutant
9. Translocation
10. Inversion

METADATA
Title: MUTATION: Changes in the Genetic Code

Language: English

Keywords: S10LT-IIIe-38 , Quarter 3

Mutation, Inversion, Deletion, Translocation
Description : The module will help the learners to explain the

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 effect of mutations in the structure and function of
a protein.
Primary Media: Print material

Primary storage: CD, Flash Drive

Resource Location: Department of Education

Division of Aklan
District of Malinao
Kinalangay Viejo Integrated School

Developer : JULIET I. VILLARUEL

Teacher I
Checked by:

REMEDIOS I. REODAVA VAN ARVIC I. TOLENTINO

Teacher III Teacher I
Malinao School for Philippine Malinao School for Philippine
Craftsmen Craftsmen

Reviewed by:

MA. CATHERINE I. CARMEN

Master Teacher I
District Science Coordinator
Malinao School for Philippine Craftsmen
District of Malinao

Endorsed by: Dr. MARY CHERRY LYNN M. DALIPE

Education Program Supervisor
Science and Research

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