Genetic variants

• What are genetic variants primarily caused by?

  Differences in DNA sequences
• What are mutations in the context of genetics?

  Changes to the genome that can affect an organism's traits
• How can mutations affect the characteristics of an organism?

  They can lead to changes in traits controlled by genes
• What is the significance of mutations that have a small effect on an organism?

  They can still influence the individual's characteristics slightly
• What is an example of a mutation that can have a dramatic effect on an organism?

  Mutations in the gene that controls salt and water balance
• What can happen if a protein produced by a mutated gene does not function properly?

  It can lead to serious health issues, such as problems in the lungs and digestive system
• What are the two types of DNA sequences mentioned?

  Coding DNA and non-coding DNA
• What is the role of non-coding DNA?

  It does not code for proteins but can affect gene expression
• How can mutations in coding DNA affect proteins?

  They can alter the protein's structure and function
• What can mutations in non-coding DNA affect?

  They can affect whether genes are turned on or off
• What happens when mutations prevent the transcription of a gene?

  The protein coded for by that gene is not produced
• How do mutations contribute to variation in organisms?

  They introduce changes that can lead to different traits
• What is the general perception of mutations in terms of their effects?

  Most mutations are tiny changes that often go unnoticed
• What are the effects of mutations on an organism's phenotype?

  • Mutations can lead to changes in traits.
  • They can affect the structure and function of proteins.
  • They can influence gene expression.
  • Most mutations are small and often unnoticed.