Mutations

• Not all mutations result in a change to the amino acid sequence of the encoded polypeptide. Explain why?

  Genetic code is degenerate

  OR

  mutation in intron (non-coding DNA)
• Compare DNA in eukaryotic cells with DNA in prokaryotic cells

  Similarities:

  • nucleotide structure is identical
  • nucleotides joined by phosphodiester bond
  • DNA in mitochondria/chloroplasts same structure to DNA in prokaryotes (both circular, shorter and not associated with histones unlike nuclear DNA)
• Define the term mutagenic agent 


  A factor that increases the rate of mutations