All Sorts of Mutations: Changes in the Genetic Code
A genetic mutation causes white coats in some tigers.Copyright 2009 Tony Hisgett, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_Tiger_6_%283865790598%29.jpg https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en
Students learn about mutations to both DNA and chromosomes, and uncontrolled changes to the genetic code. They are introduced to small-scale mutations (substitutions, deletions and insertions) and large-scale mutations (deletion duplications, inversions, insertions, translocations and nondisjunctions). The effects of different mutations are studied as well as environmental factors that may increase the likelihood of mutations. Students practice their understanding of different mutation types and processes with the associated activity based off of the childhood game “telephone” . A PowerPoint® presentation and pre/post-assessments are provided.
Genetic engineers are able to manipulate the genomes of organisms, however, the consequences are not always beneficial. In order to prevent harmful and unwanted mutations, it is important for engineers to understand what effects result from certain changes to organisms’ genomes (several of which can be seen by studying natural mutations) and how environmental factors can affect the probability of mutations occurring.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- List the different types of mutations.
- Describe some possible effects of mutations.
- Explain the role of mutations in genetic syndromes.