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Dna Replication and Mutation

DNA contains the genetic instructions for cells and must replicate before cell division. DNA replication is semi-conservative, meaning each new DNA strand contains one old strand. There are differences in DNA storage between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Gene mutations are changes in DNA sequence that can affect a single base pair or multiple genes. Mutations include substitutions, inversions, insertions, and deletions. Spontaneous mutations can occur due to DNA tautomers, mutagens like radiation or chemicals interfering with DNA synthesis and repair enzymes.

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65 views4 pages

Dna Replication and Mutation

DNA contains the genetic instructions for cells and must replicate before cell division. DNA replication is semi-conservative, meaning each new DNA strand contains one old strand. There are differences in DNA storage between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Gene mutations are changes in DNA sequence that can affect a single base pair or multiple genes. Mutations include substitutions, inversions, insertions, and deletions. Spontaneous mutations can occur due to DNA tautomers, mutagens like radiation or chemicals interfering with DNA synthesis and repair enzymes.

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michsantos
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DNA REPLICATION AND MUTATION

DNA

 contains the information required for proper development and function of the
living cell.

 Replication is the process where DNA makes a copy of itself. Why does DNA
need to copy? Simple: Cells divide for an organism to grow or reproduce, every
new cell needs a copy of the DNA or instructions to know how to be a cell. DNA
replicates right before a cell divides.

 DNA replication is semi-conservative. That means that when it makes a copy,


one half of the old strand is always kept in the new strand. This helps reduce the
number of copy errors.

Differences in DNA storage and duplication between procaryotes and eucaryotes

 In the ill-defined nuclear region of procaryotes, there is a single chromosome, or


carrier of genetic information, which consists of a circular double strand of DNA.
This huge molecule is 1.2 mm long, about 20 µ thick, and has a molecular weight
on the order of 2.8 billion.

 While a chromosome in eucaryotes consists of a DNA molecule associated with


proteins and possibly some RNA
GENE MUTATION

 A gene mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up


a gene, such that the sequence differs from what is found in most people.
Mutations range in size; they can affect anywhere from a single DNA building
block (base pair) to a large segment of a chromosome that includes multiple
genes.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MUTATIONS

Point Mutation – a change in one base in the DNA sequence.

Substitution – when one or more bases in the sequence is replaced by the same
number of bases (for example, a cytosine substituted for an adenine).
Inversion – when a segment of a chromosome is reversed end to end.

Insertion – when a base is added to the sequence.

Deletion – when a base is deleted from the sequence.


Postulated Mechanisms for Spontaneous Mutation

 First, the nucleotide bases of DNA have several different structural forms, known
as tautomers. Shifts to other tautomeric forms could cause errors in base pairing.

 Another possible cause of spontaneous mutation is interference with the enzyme


necessary for DNA synthesis and repair.
o A mutagen is a natural or human-made agent (physical or chemical)
which can alter the structure or sequence of DNA.

o Two major classes of chemical mutagens are routinely used.

 These are alkylating agents and base analogs.

 Alkylating agents [such as ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS), ethyl


ethane sulphonate (EES) and musta rd gas] can mutate both
replicating and non-replicating DNA.

 By contrast, a base analog (5-bromouracil and 2-aminopurine)


only mutate DNA when the analog is incorporated into replicating
DNA. Each class of chemical mutagen has specific effects that
can lead to transitions, transversions or deletions.

 Another common cause of mutation is radiation.


o Ultraviolet lights is strongly absorbed by DNA to such extent that exposure
to ultraviolet light rapidly kill most cells.

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