2. INTRODUCTION
The changes or alterations in the DNA or RNA sequences are known as
mutations. Mutation is a common occurrence or phenomenon, and every
individual goes through several mutations in their lifetime, though the
changes made may not be visible in a lifetime.
Mutations are the optimal source of new and improved genetic substances
known as new alleles in various species. Although the mutation process can
bring about positive changes or alterations in the bodies of species, certain
types of mutations provide more harm than good
Also, certain forms of genetic mutations can lead to the development of
long-term diseases or illnesses such as cancer.
3. What is gene mutation ?
A genetic mutation is a change to your DNA sequence
by removing, adding or replacing pieces of your DNA.
4. Gene mutations can occur due to the following reasons:
1) Changes or shifts in one or more nucleotides of the
DNA.
2) Shifting or alteration of one or more genes.
3) Shifting or alteration in the genes or the chromosomes as
a whole.
4) Loss of one or several genes at a time.
5. How common are mutations
Mutations occurs at a frequency of about 1 in
every 1 billion base pair
Everybody has about 6 mutations in each cell in
their body
6. Harmful Effects of Mutation
Most mutations are not harmful, but some can be.
A harmful mutation can result in a genetic disorder or
even cancer.
7. Types of Gene mutations
There are three types of DNA Mutations:
1) Substitutions
2) Deletions
3) Insertions
8. Substitution
Substitution is a type of mutation in which one nucleotide is
replaced by a different nucleotide. The term can also refer to the
replacement of one amino acid in a protein with a different
amino acid.
9. Deletions
A deletion involves the loss of one or more nucleotides
from a segment of DNA. A deletion can involve the loss
of any number of nucleotides, from a single nucleotide
to an entire piece of a chromosome.
10. Insertions
An insertion is a type of mutation that involves the
addition of one or more nucleotides into a segment of
DNA. An insertion can involve the addition of any
number of nucleotides, from a single nucleotide to an
entire piece of a chromosome.
