www.NGSSBiology.

com

Topic: Chromosome Mutation Activity

Summary: This activity is inquiry based where students mimic chromosome mutations
by cutting and pasting paper chromosomes. Students then use this activity to defend a
claim that inheritable variations can be caused by mutations.

Goals & Objectives: Students will be able to visually see the 5 types of chromosomal
mutations. Students will be able to demonstrate the different types of chromosomal
mutations.

NGSS Standards: HS-LS3-2. Make and defend a claim based on evidence that
inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through
meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by
environmental factors.

Time Length: 45 minutes

Materials:
• Scissors; one per student is best or one per two students
• Glue sticks or tape
• Photocopied worksheets

Procedures:
1. Photocopy pages 1 & 2. Photocopy page 3, cut along the dotted line into 3 sections.
2. Hand each student the activity printout and only one section to each student.
3. Since this is an inquiry-based activity, try not to give to many instructions but allow
the students to use their textbook or their associated lecture notes.

Accommodations: Students who cannot use scissors can give verbal directions to
another student. Students with an IEP can take the handout home if they need extra time.

Evaluation:
Each mutation is worth 2 points each for a total of 10 points.

© NGSS Life Science 2019

 Name: _______________________ Row: _______
Date:_____________ Period:______

Chromosome Mutation Activity

On the left, the numbered rectangle represents a chromosome. Each of the numbers are
meant to represent several bands on a chromosome. Cut out each rectangle chromosome
while keeping the individual numbered squares attached. Your goal is to perform a
mutation to each of your numbered chromosomes. Tape or glue the mutated
chromosome to the paper next to each type of mutation. The insertion and translocation
mutations will require two different chromosomes (circle and rectangle). One rule is
each mutated chromosome must start with the number one and end with the number six.

Deletion : Example

1 2 4 5 6

Inversion

Duplication

Insertion

Translocation

© NGSS Life Science 2019

Practical Applications:
1. You notice a sign in a parking structure that says "Warning: This area contains
chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm". How can these harmful chemicals affect your DNA?

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

CER: Make and defend a claim based on evidence from this activity that inheritable
genetic variations may result from (1) mutations caused by (2) environmental factors.

Claim: _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Evidence #1: ____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Evidence #2: ____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Reasoning (relate mutations back to inheritable genetic variations) : ________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

© NGSS Life Science 2019

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
use for insertion mutation use for translocation mutation
------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

use for insertion mutation use for translocation mutation

------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
use for insertion mutation use for translocation mutation

© NGSS Life Science 2019