Mutations

    Cards (17)

    • What is the focus of this video lesson?
      How DNA structure changes affect protein synthesis
    • What determines the amino acid sequence of a protein?
      The base sequence of a gene
    • What happens to a protein once it is formed?
      It folds into a unique shape
    • How does the shape of a protein relate to its function?
      The shape determines the protein's function
    • What is a mutation?
      A change to a base in DNA
    • How often do mutations occur?
      Mutations happen all the time
    • What can happen when a single base in a gene changes?
      It may or may not change the amino acid sequence
    • What is the effect of some mutations on protein function?
      Most mutations have no effect on function
    • What happens if a mutation changes the amino acid sequence?
      The shape of the protein may change
    • How can a mutation affect an enzyme's active site?
      It may change the shape, preventing substrate binding
    • What can happen if a structural protein like collagen is mutated?
      It may lose its strength
    • What do chromosomes contain besides coding DNA?
      Non-coding parts of DNA
    • What is the role of non-coding DNA regions?
      They switch genes on and off
    • What can mutations in non-coding regions affect?
      How genes are switched on or off
    • What is a potential consequence of uncontrolled mitosis due to mutations?
      It could lead to cancer
    • What could happen if a gene is turned on when it should be off?
      The cell may produce an unwanted protein
    • What are the key ideas about mutations and protein synthesis?
      • Mutations are changes to DNA bases.
      • They can affect amino acid sequences.
      • Most mutations have no effect on protein function.
      • Some mutations can dramatically alter protein shape and function.
      • Non-coding DNA regions regulate gene expression.
      • Mutations in these regions can lead to significant cellular effects.