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Science 10
Quarter 3 – Module 5
Mutation
To the teachers:
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators from public schools to assist
you, teacher or facilitator, in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while
overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.
As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module. You also need to keep track
of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage their own learning for optimal development and
understanding. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks
included in this module.
To the parents:
As vital partners in education, your support to your children’s learning at home is a great factor to ensure that
they will become successful in what they do. As parents, you are expected to monitor your children’s progress
while they are accomplishing the tasks in this module while at the same time, ensuring that they learn
independently.
The objectives set for this learning material will be certainly accomplished with your steadfast guidance and
support.
To the learners:
This learning resource hopes to engage you into guided and independent learning activities at your own pace
and time. This also aims to help you acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration your
needs and circumstances.
Furthermore, it is our objective that you will have fun while going through this material. Take charge of your
learning pace and in no time, you will successfully meet the targets and objectives set in this module which are
intended for your ultimate development as a learner and as a person.
1. Use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the module. Use a separate sheet of
paper in answering the exercises.
2. Do not forget to answer the What I Know section before moving on to the next activities included in the module.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks found in this module, do not hesitate to consult your
teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and gain deep understanding
of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
II. INTRODUCTION
As you have learned in the previous module, your DNA is a template from
which everything inside you is built. So, it’s incredibly important that nothing happens to your DNA code. But
sadly, our DNA is constantly at risk of mutation which happens due to a variety of factors.
III. CONCEPT
Mutation is a permanent change of the nucleotide sequence of the genome of an organism, virus, or
extrachromosomal DNA or other genetic elements. It results in damage to DNA that is not repaired or to RNA
genomes (typically caused by radiation or chemical mutagens), errors in the process of replication, or from the
insertion or deletion of segments of DNA by mobile genetic elements. (1)
If you take the analogy that the information in DNA is a series of sentences, mutations are mistakes in
spelling of words that make up those sentences. Sometimes, mutations are insignificant, like a misspelled word
whose meaning is still quite clear. Sometimes, mutations have stronger implications, like a sentence whose
meaning is completely changed.
These alterations can be caused by random mistakes in DNA replication or by environmental influences
such as UV rays and chemicals. Changes at the nucleotide level go on to influence the transcription and
translation from gene to protein expression. Changing even just one nitrogen base in a sequence can alter the
amino acid that is expressed by that DNA codon, which can lead to a completely different protein being
expressed. These mutations can be completely harmless, potentially fatal, or somewhere in between. (2)
The sequence of a gene can be altered in a number of ways. DNA mutations have varying effects on
health depending on where they occur and whether they alter the function of essential proteins. In the structure
of genes, mutation can be classified into Small-Scale and Large-Scale. In this lesson, we will discuss the
Small-scale mutation.
What is a Gene?
Genes are segments of DNA located on chromosomes. A gene mutation is defined as an alteration in
the sequence of nucleotides in DNA. This change can affect a single nucleotide pair or larger gene segments
of a chromosome. DNA consists of a polymer of nucleotides joined together. During protein synthesis, DNA
is transcribed into RNA and then translated to produce proteins. Altering nucleotide sequences most often
results in nonfunctioning proteins. Mutations cause changes in the genetic code that lead to genetic
variation and the potential to develop the disease. Gene mutations can be generally categorized into two types:
point mutations and base-pair insertions or deletions. (3)
Small-Scale Mutation
Small-scale mutations are types of gene mutations, such as those affecting a small gene in one or a few
nucleotides. There are 2 types of gene mutations: Point Mutation and Frame-Shift Mutation.
a. Point Mutation. A point mutation—the change of a single nitrogen base in a DNA sequence—is usually the
least harmful type of DNA mutation. Codons are a sequence of three nitrogen bases in a row that are "read"
by messenger RNA during transcription. That messenger RNA codon is then translated into an amino acid that
goes on to make a protein that will be expressed by the organism. Depending on the placement of a nitrogen
base in the codon, a point mutation may have no effect on the protein.
Figure 1. Illustration of point mutation where there is a change in the nitrogen base sequence.
Since there are only 20 amino acids and a total of 64 possible combinations of codons, some amino
acids are coded for by more than one codon. Often, if the third nitrogen base in the codon is changed, the
amino acid won't be affected. This is called the wobble effect. If the point mutation occurs in the third nitrogen
base in a codon, then it has no effect on the amino acid or subsequent protein and the mutation does not
change the organism.
At most, a point mutation will cause a single amino acid in a protein to change. While this usually is not
a deadly mutation, it may cause issues with that protein's folding pattern and the tertiary and quaternary
structures of the protein.
One example of a point mutation that is not harmless is the incurable blood disorder sickle cell anemia.
This happens when a point mutation causes a single nitrogen base in a codon for one amino acid in the protein
glutamic acid to code for the amino acid valine instead. This single small change causes a normally round red
blood cell to instead be sickle-shaped. (2)
There are three major types of point mutations which occurs by Substitution: silent mutation,
missense mutation and nonsense mutation.
Figure 2. Illustration of silent, missense and nonsense mutation.
Silent Mutations: These are type of change that does not alter the sequence of a protein because of
the redundancy of the genetic code (the new triplet codes for the same amino acid as the original triplet), or
because it affects an area not coding DNA or an intron. But this change can still have serious consequences
on the phenotype. Indeed, the change of a single nucleotide can change the splice donor site, without
changing the amino acid sequence. This may, therefore, result in a deletion of an entire exon of the peptide
sequence, the exon is not recognized because the splice site has been mutated. A synonymous mutation
means a silent mutation that affects exon, without changing the protein sequence. (2)
Missense Mutations: This point mutation results in the replacement of one nucleotide by another. In
some cases, this change causes a change in the amino acid encoded, which may or may not have an impact
on the function of the protein produced by the gene in the case of a gene encoding, or the affinity for a
transcription factor, in the case of a promoter region of the DNA. We speak of mutation transition when there is
a substitution of a purine base to another base purine (or pyrimidine base to another pyrimidine base). In
contrast, a mutation transversion is a mutation caused by the replacement of a purine by a pyrimidine base (or
pyrimidine base by a purine base). (2)
Nonsense Mutation: Change of a nucleotide causes the replacement of a codon specifying an amino
acid by a stop codon. This results in the production of a truncated protein. (2)
b. Frame-Shift Mutation
Frameshift Mutations are generally much more serious and often more deadly than point mutations.
Even though only a single nitrogen base is affected, as with point mutations, in this instance, the single base is
either completely deleted or an extra one is inserted into the middle of the DNA sequence. This change in
sequence causes the reading frame to shift—hence the name "frameshift" mutation. A reading frame shift
changes the three-letter codon sequence for messenger RNA to transcribe and translate. That not only
changes the original amino acid but all subsequent amino acids as well. This significantly alters the protein and
can cause severe problems, even possibly leading to death. Frame-shift mutations occur by Insertion and
Deletion. (1)
Figure 3. Frame shift mutation – Insertion.
Insertions add one or more extra nucleotides into the DNA. They are usually caused by transposable
elements, or errors during the replication of repeating elements (e.g., AT repeats). Insertions in the coding
region of a gene may alter splicing of the mRNA (splice site mutation), or cause a shift in the reading frame
(frameshift mutation), both of which can significantly alter the gene product. Insertions can be reversed by the
excision of the transposable element. (2)
Deletions mean removing one or more nucleotides from the DNA. Like insertions, these mutations can
alter the reading frame of the gene. In general, they are irreversible: Though exactly the same sequence might,
in theory, be restored by an insertion, transposable elements able to revert a very short deletion (say 1–2
bases) in any location either are highly unlikely to exist or do not exist at all. (2)
If there was a point mutation (substitution), the sentence would change to:
The "E" in the word "the" mutated into the letter "C". While the first word in the sentence is no longer
the same, the rest of the words still make sense and remain what they're supposed to be.
The insertion of the letter "C" after the word "the" completely changes the rest of the sentence. The
second word no longer makes sense, nor do any words that follow it. The entire sentence has changed into
nonsense.
In the example above, the "R" that should have come after the word "THE" has been deleted. Again, it
changes the entire sentence. While some of the subsequent words remain intelligible, the meaning of the
sentence has completely changed. This demonstrates that even when codons are changed into something that
isn't total nonsense, it still completely changes the protein into something that is no longer functionally viable.
(2)
Mindanao State University
BALOI COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
East Pob. Balo-i, Lanao del Norte
S.Y. 2020-2021
SCIENCE 10
3RD Quarter
WORKSHEET
MODULE 5-Lesson 1
As you go through this lesson, you will learn more about mutation. Generally, mutations are changes in the
genetic information in the genome of a cell or even a virus. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence of the
DNA or RNA sequence for viruses. Mutation is one of the main causes of the species evolution and is the main
mechanisms of molecular evolution.
Mutation is a permanent change of the nucleotide sequence of the genome of an organism, virus, or
extrachromosomal DNA or other genetic elements. It results in damage to DNA that is not repaired or to RNA
genomes (typically caused by radiation or chemical mutagens), errors in the process of replication, or from the
insertion or deletion of segments of DNA by mobile genetic elements. (1)
If you take the analogy that the information in DNA is a series of sentences, mutations are mistakes in
spelling of words that make up those sentences. Sometimes, mutations are insignificant, like a misspelled word
whose meaning is still quite clear. Sometimes, mutations have stronger implications, like a sentence whose
meaning is completely changed.
These alterations can be caused by random mistakes in DNA replication or by environmental influences
such as UV rays and chemicals. Changes at the nucleotide level go on to influence the transcription and
translation from gene to protein expression. Changing even just one nitrogen base in a sequence can alter the
amino acid that is expressed by that DNA codon, which can lead to a completely different protein being
expressed. These mutations can be completely harmless, potentially fatal, or somewhere in between. (2)
Chromosomes are long, stringy aggregates of genes that carry heredity information (DNA). They are
formed from chromatin, a mass of genetic material consisting of DNA that is tightly coiled
around proteins called histones. Chromosomes are located in the nucleus of our cells and condense prior to
the process of cell division. A non-duplicated chromosome is single-stranded and is comprised of
a centromere region that connects two arm regions. The short arm region is called the p arm and the long arm
region is called the q arm.
In preparation for the division of the nucleus, chromosomes must be duplicated to ensure that the
resulting daughter cells end up with the appropriate number of chromosomes. An identical copy of each
chromosome is therefore produced through DNA replication. Each duplicated chromosome is comprised of two
identical chromosomes called sister chromatids that are connected at the centromere region. Sister chromatids
separate prior to the completion of cell division.
A chromosome mutation is an unpredictable change that occurs in a chromosome. These changes are
most often brought on by problems that occur during meiosis (division process of gametes) or by mutagens
(chemicals, radiation, etc.). Chromosome mutations can result in changes in the number of chromosomes in
a cell or changes in the structure of a chromosome. Unlike a gene mutation which alters a single gene or larger
segment of DNA on a chromosome, chromosome mutations change and impact the entire chromosome. (4)
a. Translocation
b. Deletion
This mutation results from the breakage of a chromosome in which the genetic material becomes lost
during cell division. The genetic material can break off from anywhere on the chromosome.
c. Duplication
Duplications are produced when extra copies of genes are generated on a chromosome.
d. Inversion
In an inversion, the broken chromosome segment is reversed and inserted back into the chromosome.
If the inversion encompasses the centromere of the chromosome, it is called a pericentric inversion. If it
involves the long or short arm of the chromosome and does not include the centromere, it is called a
paracentric inversion.
e. Isochromosome
This type of chromosome is produced by the improper division of the centromere. Isochromosomes contain
either two short arms or two long arms. A typical chromosome contains one short arm and one long arm. (4)
A chromosome mutation that results in individuals with more than one haploid set of chromosomes in a cell is
termed polyploidy. A haploid cell is a cell that contains one complete set of chromosomes. Our sex cells are
considered haploid and contain 1 complete set of 23 chromosomes. Our autosomal cells are diploid and
contain 2 complete sets of 23 chromosomes. If a mutation causes a cell to have three haploid sets, it is called
triploidy. If the cell has four haploid sets, it is called tetraploidy. (4)
Mindanao State University
BALOI COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
East Pob. Balo-i, Lanao del Norte
S.Y. 2020-2021
SCIENCE 10
3RD Quarter
WORKSHEET
MODULE 5-Lesson 2
A. Inversion B. Deletion
C. Duplication D. Translocation
7. During the process of meiosis, part of one chromosome detaches and reattaches to a different chromosome
in the parent cell of an individual. Which of the following is true regarding this mutation?
A. The mutation could get passed on to the individual’s offspring.
B. The mutation could cause cancer in the individual.
C. The mutation could affect the protein production of cells in the body.
D. The mutation will affect only the somatic cells in the body.
8. Which of the following identifies the type of chromosomal mutation that has occurred on chromosome 18?
A. Inversion B. Translocation
C. Duplication D. Deletion
9. Which of these is the correct order for the chromosome mutation in the image from top to bottom?
A. Duplication-Inversion-Substitution-Translocation
B. Deletion-Duplication-Inversion-Translocation
C. Deletion-Insertion-Translocation-Inversion
D. Substitution-Duplication-Translocation-Inversion
10. What type of chromosomal mutation has occurred?
A. Substitution B. Insertion
C. Deletion D. Non-disjunction
LESSON 3: Diseases and Abnormalities Caused by Mutation
Gene mutations are most commonly caused as a result of two types of occurrences. Environmental factors
such as chemicals, radiation, and ultraviolet light from the sun can cause mutations. These mutagens alter
DNA by changing nucleotide bases and can even change the shape of DNA. These changes result in errors in
DNA replication and transcription.
Other mutations are caused by errors made during mitosis and meiosis. Common errors that occur
during cell division can result in point mutations and frameshift mutations. Mutations during cell division can
lead to replication errors which can result in the deletion of genes, translocation of portions of chromosomes,
missing chromosomes, and extra copies of chromosomes. (3)
Genetic Disorders
According to the National Human Genome Institute, almost all disease has some sort of genetic factor.
These disorders can be caused by a mutation in a single gene, multiple gene mutations, combined gene
mutation, and environmental factors, or by chromosome mutation or damage. Gene mutations have been
identified as the cause of several disorders including sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease,
Huntington disease, hemophilia, and some cancers. (4)
a. Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease common among those who are from Africa. This genetic disease
is the result of a point mutation where there is a change in just one nucleotide in the gene for hemoglobin. The
mutation causes the hemoglobin in red blood cells to transform to a sickle shape when de-oxygenated. Since
the shape is altered, it cuts of blood circulation and clogs the capillaries.
Figure 6. Difference between a sickle cell and a normal red blood cell. (6)
Two copies of the mutated genes cause sickle cell anemia, while having just one copy does not. One copy of it
in facts protects against malaria. This is an example of how mutations can sometimes be advantageous. (5)
b. Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive, genetic disease that affects the secretory glands, including the mucus and
sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.
Figure 7. Difference between a normal airway and an airway with cystic fibrosis. (7)
There is no cure for CF but treatments have greatly improved in recent years. Medication, exercise, nutritional
and respiratory therapies are some of the treatment options. (5)
c. Tay-Sachs Disease
Tay-Sachs disease is a rare inherited disorder that causes progressive damage to the nervous system and
most commonly affects infants. It is mainly caused by the absence of a vital enzyme called hexosaminidase-A
(Hex-A). Symptoms usually appear between three to five months of age. The development slows down and
they gradually lose their ability to move. (5)
Tay-Sachs is a recessively inherited disease that only occurs when both parents carry a Tay-Sachs gene and
each parent transmits the defective gene to their child. A child who inherits two Tay-Sachs genes (one from
each parent) produces no functional Hex-A enzyme and is certain to develop Tay-Sachs disease. The Tay-
Sachs genes are located on chromosome 15. (8)
Down syndrome is a lifelong condition. Services early in life will often help babies and children with Down
syndrome to improve their physical and intellectual abilities. Most of these services focus on helping children
with Down syndrome develop to their full potential. These services include speech, occupational, and physical
therapy, and they are typically offered through early intervention programs in each state. Children with Down
syndrome may also need extra help or attention in school, although many children are included in regular
classes. (13)
f. Klinefelter Syndrome
Klinefelter syndrome also known as XXY condition is a chromosomal condition that affects male physical
and cognitive development. The most common symptom of Klinefelter syndrome is infertility. Some common
symptoms include small penis, small firm testes, less pubic, armpit and facial hair, enlarged breasts, tall stature
and abnormal body proportions. (5)
Karyotyping
Karyotyping is a laboratory procedure that allows your doctor to examine your set of chromosomes.
“Karyotype” also refers to the actual collection of chromosomes being examined. Examining chromosomes
through karyotyping allows your doctor to determine whether there are any abnormalities or structural
problems within the chromosomes.
Chromosomes are in almost every cell of your body. They contain the genetic material inherited from
your parents. They’re composed of DNA and determine the way every human develops.
When a cell divides, it needs to pass on a complete set of genetic instructions to each new cell it forms.
When a cell isn’t in the process of division, the chromosomes are arranged in a spread out, unorganized way.
During division, the chromosomes in these new cells line up in pairs.
A karyotype test examines these dividing cells. The pairs of chromosomes are arranged by their size
and appearance. This helps your doctor easily determine if any chromosomes are missing or damaged.
Why is the test useful?
An unusual number of chromosomes, incorrectly arranged chromosomes, or malformed chromosomes
can all be signs of a genetic condition. Genetic conditions vary greatly, but two examples are Down
syndrome and Turner syndrome.
Karyotyping can be used to detect a variety of genetic disorders. For example, a woman who has
premature ovarian failure may have a chromosomal defect that karyotyping can pinpoint. The test is also useful
for identifying the Philadelphia chromosome. Having this chromosome can signal chronic myelogenous
leukemia (CML).
Babies can be karyotype tested before they’re born to diagnose genetic abnormalities that indicate
serious birth defects, such as Klinefelter syndrome. In Klinefelter syndrome, a boy is born with an extra X
chromosome.
What do test results mean?
A normal test result will show 46 chromosomes. Two of these 46 chromosomes are sex chromosomes,
which determine the sex of the person being tested, and 44 of them are autosomes. The autosomes are
unrelated to determining the sex of the person being tested. Females have two X chromosomes, while males
have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.
Abnormalities that appear in a test sample could be the result of any number of genetic syndromes or
conditions. Sometimes, an abnormality will occur in the lab sample that’s not reflected in your body. The
karyotype test may be repeated to confirm that there’s an abnormality. (19)
Mindanao State University
BALOI COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
East Pob. Balo-i, Lanao del Norte
S.Y. 2020-2021
SCIENCE 10
3RD Quarter
WORKSHEET
MODULE 5-Lesson 3
1. A woman with one gene of hemophilia and one gene of color blindness on one of the X chromosomes
marries a normal man. How will the progeny be?
A. 50% hemophilic color-blind sons and 50% color blind daughters
B. 50% hemophilic and color-blind sons and 50% normal sons
C. All sons and daughters are hemophilic and color blind
D. Hemophilic and color-blind daughters
2. Which of the following is known as the Royal disease?
A. Alzheimer’s disease B. Sickle cell anemia
C. Hemophilia D. Color blindness
3. The most important example of point mutation is found in a disease called?
A. Thalassemia B. Down’s syndrome
C. Sickle cell anemia D. Night blindness
4. Patau’s syndrome occurs due to:
A. 13 Trisomy B. 18 Trisomy
C. 21 Trisomy D. 22 Trisomy
5. Identify a Mandelian disorder from the following:
A. Phenylketonuria B. Turner’s syndrome
C. Down’s syndrome D. Klinefelter’s syndrome
6. The syndrome in which individual somatic cell contains three sex chromosomes XXX is called:
A. Downs syndrome B. Klinefelter’s syndrome
C. Turner’s syndrome D. Super female
7. A man has enlarged breasts, spare head on body and sex complement as XXY. He suffers from:
A. Edward’s syndrome B. Turner’s syndrome
C. Down’s syndrome D. Klinefelter’s syndrome
8. In a man, which of the following genotypes and phenotypes may be the correct result of aneuploidy in sex
chromosomes?
A. 22 pairs + Y females B. 22 pairs + XX females
C. 22 pairs + XXY males D. 22 pairs + XXXY females
9. In a family, a father is having a disease and the mother is normal. The disease is inherited to only daughters
and not to the sons. What type of disease is this?
A. Autosomal recessive B. Autosomal dominant
C. Sex linked recessive D. Sex linked dominant
10. Down’s syndrome is characterized by.
A. 19 Trisomy B. 21 Trisomy
C. Only one X chromosome D. Two X and one Y chromosome