Download Genetic Mutations

Genetic Mutations
What is a Genetic Mutation?
A mutation is a change in the genetic
material (DNA) of a cell.
 Mutations may occur in any cell of the
body and may be the result of one or
several
unpredictable factors.
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What is a Genetic Mutation cont’d
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If the mutations affect the reproductive
cells, they can be passed from one
generation to the next
Mutations that affect other cells of the
body are not inheritable.
Environmental Factors
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Some mutations are caused by
environmental factors:
1) Overexposure to sunlight
2) Pollutions
3) Pesticides
DDT and Bald Eagles
Lifestyle Factors

If you live an unhealthy lifestyle by
taking:
• 1) Toxins (alcohol, drugs, etc)
• 2) Carcinogens (smoking, etc)
• 3) Food additives
• These can cause mutations in a person or in
a developing fetus.
PHENYLKETONURIA (or PKU)
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Causes mental deficiency
Effects can be lessened by changing the
diet of the individual with the mutation.
Types of Mutations
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Many cancers are caused by such
mutations.
Not all mutations are harmful. Many
have no effect, or cause slight, harmless
changes
An organism may not appear mutant at
all (in other words, though it’s genotype
is mutant, its phenotype is normal)
Types of Mutations
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Occasionally, mutations arise that are
beneficial to organisms
For example, some bacteria may have
developed resistance to antibiotics in this
manner
How mutations occur?
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fetal exposure to alcohol
overexposure to sunlight
radiation
carcinogens
food additives
hormone mimics
pollution
pesticides
Non prescription drugs
German measles or other infectious diseases