B.6(E) Readiness
Types of Gene Mutations
Types of Chromosomal Mutations
Mutations that occur in germ-line (gametes) cells of an offspring will have the change in every cell of their body, including the germ-line cells that affect future generations.
Changes that occur in the somatic (non gametes; body)cells rather than the germ-line cells will not be passed on to offspring
Genetic changes (mutations) may be harmless or can lead to diseases. Some mutations can lead to an increase in genetic variation within a population as shown below
Non-disjunction of chromosomes
Activity
Check Your Understanding
1. How can a karyotype be used to determine chromosomal abnormalities?
2. How can you tell what type of mutation (insertion, deletion, or substitution) has occurred from looking at the original and mutated DNA sequences?
3. Are all mutations harmful? Why or why not?