Mutations

• Mutation

  A change in the base sequence of DNA
• What increase the risk of mutations occurring

  Carcinogens - chemicals that cause cancer

  Certain types of radiation
• Will a risk factor cause a mutation

  No as they only increase the chance
• What does it mean for a gene to be expressed

  The cell is actively producing proteins that the gene codes for
• Non coding DNA

  DNA that does not code for proteins

  Have a role in switching genes on and off
• Why are mutations more likely in non-coding DNA

  Because most DNA is non-coding
• If a gene has a mutation what could happen to the protein it codes for

  Could cause the protein to fold into a different shape meaning it can no longer carry out its function
• Insertion mutation

  Extra base is added into the sequence causing a frameshift where every subsequent triplet is different
• Deletion mutation

  A base is removed causing a frameshift where every subsequent triplet is different