Mutations
A A random and spontaneous change in the structure of a gene, chromosome or number of chromosomes. is a change in a The basic unit of genetic material inherited from our parents. A gene is a section of DNA which controls part of a cell's chemistry - particularly protein production. or The structure made of DNA that codes for all the characteristics of an organism..
Mutations occur continuously and are often random changes in the genetic material that can be inherited. There is extensive genetic Difference between individuals, distance from the norm. within a All of the members of a single species that live within a geographical area. caused by mutations.
Causes of mutation
Mutation occurs continuously and can be spontaneous. It can also happen:
- when cells are copying themselves during A type of cell division which produces daughter cells identical to the parent. (cell division)
- if a person comes into contact with environmental factors such Radiation that is able to remove electrons from atoms or molecules to produce positively charged particles called ions.
- because of chemical Substance that can lead to changes in the DNA. - such as tar from cigarette smoke
Mutations may change the activity of a protein, in a coding part of the Deoxyribonucleic acid. The material inside the nucleus of cells, carrying the genetic information of a living being., or might change how the genes are expressed if the change is in a non-coding section of DNA. These might result in The visible characteristics of an organism which occur as a result of its genes. changes or they might appear hidden, and be unnoticed. Alternatively, they might result in a serious consequence, such as genetic disease such as A disorder that mainly affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, and intestine. The main symptom is difficulty breathing..
