A mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence of a gene. This can result from changes in the nucleotide sequence, the addition or deletion of entire genes, or the rearrangement of the geneticmaterial within a chromosome.
Types of Mutations
There are several types of mutations, including:
Point Mutations: These involve a change in a single nucleotide, such as substitution, insertion, or deletion.
Chromosomal Mutations: These involve changes in the structure or number of whole chromosomes, such as deletions, duplications, inversions, or translocations.
Gene Mutations: These involve changes in the sequence of a gene, leading to altered or nonfunctional proteins.
From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively.