Mutations

Definition
• A mutation is a change in an organism’s
DNA
– Silent mutations are changes that do not
result in a change to the organisms
phenotype
– Mutations that occur in germ cells (sperm,
eggs) are passed on to offspring
– Mutations in somatic (body) cells may be
harmless, or may result in disease such as
cancer
Chromosomal
Mutations
A Point Mutation Resulting in Nonsense
 A Point Mutation: An Analogy

the red dog bit the tan cat

the red mog bit the tan cat

This point mutation changes the meaning,

resulting in nonsense
A Point Mutation Resulting in Missense
 A Point Mutation: An Analogy

the red dog bit the tan cat

the red hog bit the tan cat

This point mutation changes the meaning,

resulting in missense
An Insertion Mutation in a Gene
 An Insertion Mutation: An Analogy

the red dog bit the tan cat

the red rdo gbi tth eta nca

This insertion mutation changes the reading

frame
A Deletion Mutation in a Gene
 An Deletion Mutation: An Analogy

the red dog bit the tan cat

the red ogb itt het anc at_

This deletion mutation changes the reading

frame
A Frameshift Mutation