Cause and affect of mutations

• Mutation is a change in a gene or chromosome
• Gene


  The basic unit of genetic material inherited from our parents. A gene is a section of DNA which controls part of a cell's chemistry - particularly protein production.
• Chromosome


  The structure made of DNA that codes for all the characteristics of an organism.
• Mutation is a rare, random change in the genetic material, and in some cases it can be inherited
• Causes of mutation


  • Spontaneous
  • Ionising radiation
  • Chemical mutagens - such as tar from cigarette smoke
• Ionising radiation


  Includes gamma rays, X-rays, and ultraviolet rays
• The greater the dose of radiation a cell gets


  The greater the chance of mutation
• Neutral mutation


  A change in the DNA of an organism that has no effect on the organism itself
• People who are carriers (heterozygous) for the sickle cell allele are more resistant to malaria (a tropical disease) than people who do not have the mutated gene
• Some mutations can be harmful. A change in the gene might produce a faulty or non-functioning protein, resulting in a genetic disease, such as cystic fibrosis