Mutations

• A mutation is a random change in an organism's DNA
• If there is a mutation in a non-coding DNA, it can alter how genes are expressed
• There are different types of mutation:

  • Insertions
  • Deletions
  • Substitutions
• Insertions

  • Where a new base is inserted into the DNA base sequence where it shouldn't be
  • This changes the way the bases are read, which changes the amino acids that they code for
  • They can have a knock-on effect for the bases further in the sequences
• Deletions

  • Where a random base is deleted from the DNA sequence
  • This changes the way bases are read, having knock-on effects
• Substitutions

  • A random base is changed in the sequence
  • This changes the amino acid coded for