Ch. 12-4 Section Assessment

The effects of a mutation are not always visible. How might a biologist determine whether a mutations has occurred, and if so, what type of mutation is it?

A researcher could compare the DNA sequence of normal DNA to that of the mutated DNA. The base sequence should reveal the type of mutation.

What are the four types of chromosomal mutations?

Four kinds of chromosomal mutations are deletions, duplications, inversions, and translocations.

What is a mutaion?

Mutations are changes in the genetic material.

What is the significance of mutations to living things

Mutations can be harmful by producing defective proteins that disrupt normal biological activities. Mutations are also the source of genetic variability and can be beneficial.

What are two kinds of frameshift mutations?

Two kinds of frameshift mutations are insertions and deletions.