Mutation Genetic Change

Introduction

Genetic mutations are the changes in the DNA sequences which mainly take place during the time of cell division. During the time of cell copies, the total process happens. DNA of a body symbolizes the formation as well as the function of a body. Genetic mutations also lead to different genetic conditions such as cancer. Several external factors are also very much affected the DNA sequences.

What are Mutations?

The DNA sequences provide information about the formation of cells and perform as per their functions. In this case, a DNA sequence is not in the proper place, the total sequences can be damaged and it could experience different types of genetic condition symptoms.

Figure 1: Damaged DNA Sequence

For each organism, the DNA sequence also differs and it can be the base-pairs sequence changes. This process is called mutations and it may guide the alteration of proteins translated which is caused by DNA. All cells can easily recognize the damage which is caused by mutation and the repairing process is completed before the permanent situation

Classifications of Mutations

Mainly three types of Mutations can be seen in terms of DNA sequences.

• Silent mutation − It deals with the alteration of the DNA sequences that have no such great impact on the amino acid sequence in a protein. In terms of protein functions, any kind of phenotypic indicator of mutation cannot be seen.

Figure 2: Classifications of Mutations

• Nonsense mutation − This type of Mutation is generally seen during the division of cell and it mainly refers to any such alteration that can be seen because of point mutation. Due to these situational changes, the base pair of a DNA lead to a stop codon. It leads to the result of shortened as well as non-functional protein.

• Missense mutation − It is another type of mutation, which mainly results of point mutation. This type of mutation generally leads to situational changes to codon which codes for another amino acid.

Causes of Mutations

The genetic mutations mainly result in genetic variations among species while positive mutations are mainly transferred to successive generations. Mutations in genetics refer to coding for haemoglobin that is mainly caused because of sickle cell anaemia. Due to mutation, the shape of R.B.C becomes sickle. In terms of the African population, the mutation mainly provides complete protection against malaria. Mutation in terms of gene controlling mainly leads to cell division which results in cancer.

Figure 3: DNA separation

• Internal Causes − It is seen that the mutations mostly take place if the DNA failed to copy accurately and all these types of mutations generally lead to the evolution. In the time of cell division, DNA mainly engages a copy of its own. It is also seen that a copy of the DNA sometimes is not perfect and there is a slight difference from the original DNA, which is called mutation.

• External Causes − In case of DNA is exposed to certain chemicals or radiations, it may cause the DNA to break down. The ultraviolet radiations are mainly caused by thymine dimers resulting in the break of mutated DNA.

Mutation Effects

• Multiple types of mutations are not able to pass on to the offspring, such mutations mainly take place in the somatic cells, and that is why it is called somatic mutations.

• Another form of mutation is germline mutations which can pass on to successive generations and principally takes place in the reproductive cells.

• Due to mutations, different types of genetic disorders can be caused in terms of a single along with more genes. Cystic fibrosis refers to a type of genetic disorder that is mainly caused by a single along with more genes.

• Another disease that is caused by genetic disorders is cancer which can regulate the cell cycle.

Advantages of Mutation

• There are a few types of mutations, which results in terms of new versions of proteins and it is very helpful for the organism to adapt different environmental changes. This type of mutation generally leads to evolution.

• Mutations in terms of many bacteria result in antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria which is very helpful in surviving with the presence of antibiotics.

• A unique mutation can be found in terms of the population of Italy that is very helpful to provide protection from atherosclerosis. This is because fatty materials generally build up within the blood vessels.

Conclusion

The sudden change in terms of nucleotide sequence of DNA can be a cause of gene mutation that is known as point mutation. Due to mutation DNA can be damaged that is either through substitution, deletion as well as insertion which is mainly based on the base pair in DNA. The alternation of DNA sequence can lead to cell death as well as can be a cause of tumour or cancer.

FAQs

Q1. What is called base substitution?

Ans. The replacement of the single base DNA can be represented by the point mutation. For example, Glu replaces Val which causes sickle cell anaemia disease.

Q2. What are the different processes of base substitution?

Ans. The different types of base substitution are transition as well as transversion. Transition refers to base substitution mutation which is represented by another purine or pyrimidine. Transversion mainly occurs during the replacement of pyrimidine by another pyrimidine.

Q3. What is called deletion?

Ans. It is also known as frameshift mutation and it mainly takes place if one as well as more base pairs are separated from DNA. This particular kind of mutated DNA creates an altered product as well as a non-functional product.

Q4. What is called insertion?

Ans. The process of adding Base pairs can be a cause frame shift that mainly depends on the number of base pairs as well as added base pair. This can be caused by DNA recombination as well as chemical damage in DNA.