What happens in the body when a mutation occurs?
When a gene mutation occurs, the nucleotides are in the wrong order which means the coded instructions are wrong and faulty proteins are made or control switches are changed. The body can’t function as it should. Mutations can be inherited from one or both parents. They are present in the egg and/ or sperm cells.
What is a point mutation?
Point mutations are a large category of mutations that describe a change in single nucleotide of DNA, such that that nucleotide is switched for another nucleotide, or that nucleotide is deleted, or a single nucleotide is inserted into the DNA that causes that DNA to be different from the normal or wild type gene …
Are point mutations harmful?
If the original protein functions in cellular reproduction then this single point mutation can change the entire process of cellular reproduction for this organism. Point germline mutations can lead to beneficial as well as harmful traits or diseases.
Where do mutations occur?
A mutation is a change that occurs in our DNA sequence, either due to mistakes when the DNA is copied or as the result of environmental factors such as UV light and cigarette smoke. Mutations can occur during DNA replication if errors are made and not corrected in time.
What causes a point mutation?
Point mutations are frequently the result of mistakes made during DNA replication, although modification of DNA, such as through exposure to X-rays or to ultraviolet radiation, also can induce point mutations. There are two types of point mutations: transition mutations and transversion mutations.
Are point mutations good?
Although most point mutations are considered to be more or less benign, there is usually a risk that they can lead to loss of protein function and ultimately, to various diseases. They can be random and even lethal in some cases.