Mutations (Leaving Cert Biology): Flashcards
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Practise the cards
13 cards from this deck
Definition of mutation
Definition of mutation
A change in the amount or structure of DNA
Definition of somatic cell
Definition of somatic cell
A body cell not involved in reproduction
Definition of mutagen
Definition of mutagen
Agent that increases the rate of mutations
Why mutation rates are generally low
Why mutation rates are generally low
DNA has enzymes that can repair most mutations
What somatic cell mutations can lead to
What somatic cell mutations can lead to
Cancer
Why gamete mutations are more serious
Why gamete mutations are more serious
Can be passed to offspring, affecting all their cells
Relationship between mutagens and carcinogens
Relationship between mutagens and carcinogens
Many mutagens are carcinogens (cancer-causing agents)
Examples of radiation mutagens
Examples of radiation mutagens
UV rays, X-rays, gamma rays
Examples of chemical mutagens
Examples of chemical mutagens
Cigarette smoke, caffeine, formaldehyde
Definition of gene mutation
Definition of gene mutation
A change in a single gene
Example of a gene mutation
Example of a gene mutation
Sickle cell anaemia
Definition of chromosome mutation
Definition of chromosome mutation
Change in structure or number of chromosomes
Chromosome number in Down's Syndrome
Chromosome number in Down's Syndrome
47 instead of 46