EXPLAIN HOW MUTATION IN DNA AFFECTS AN INDIVIDUAL • What is mutation and why is it important? • Image result • A mutation is the phenomenon of alterations in the DNA sequence or chromosomal arrangement. The mutation alters the genetic message carried by a gene. It results in the development of new characteristics that are capable of being inherited. It results either due to an error during DNA replication or damage to DNA. • By changing a gene's instructions for making a protein, a variant can cause a protein to malfunction or to not be produced at all. When a variant alters a protein that plays a critical role in the body, it can disrupt normal development or cause a health condition. • How can a mutation in DNA affect a person? • Genetic mutations are changes to your DNA sequence that happen during cell division when your cells make copies of themselves. Your DNA tells your body how to form and function. Genetic mutations could lead to genetic conditions like cancer, or they could help humans better adapt to their environment over time • What are the causes and effects of DNA mutations? • Mutations can result from errors in DNA replication during cell division, exposure to mutagens or a viral infection. Germline mutations (that occur in eggs and sperm) can be passed on to offspring, while somatic mutations (that occur in body cells) are not passed on. • What are some examples of mutations in humans? • Other common mutation examples in humans are Angelman syndrome, Canavan disease, color blindness, cri-du-chat syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, haemochromatosis, haemophilia, Klinefelter syndrome, phenylketonuria, Prader–Willi syndrome, Tay–Sachs disease, and Turner syndrome. • What are examples of DNA mutations? • Hereditary mutations include cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and sickle cell disease. Other mutations can happen on their own during a person's life. These are called sporadic, spontaneous, or new mutations. They affect only some cells.
