Mutation

5.3 Mutation
 
Mutation Definition
Mutation is a spontaneous and random change that takes place in the genes and chromosomes that can cause changes of characteristic to the offspring who inhetits the modified genes
 

Mutation

 
Chromosome mutation Gene mutation
Number chromosome change Structure of gene change
  • Down Syndrome
  • Turner Syndrome 
  • Klinefelter syndrome 
  • Colour blindness
  • Sickle cell anaemia
  • Thalassemia
  • Haemophilia
  • Albinism
 
Chromosome mutation
Types of chromosome Amount of chromosome and its characteristic

Down syndrome

Extra chromosome in chromosome number 21

  • Physical and mental retardation
  • Short neck
  • Slanted eyes
  • Short stocky body
  • 47 chromosomes

Turner syndrome

Less number of sex chromosomes

  • A person with Turner syndrome is a female
  • Cannot undergo the development of secondary sexual characteristic of female
  • Sterile
  • 45 chromosomes

Klinefelter syndrome

More number of sex chromosomes

  • A person with Klinefelter syndrome is male
  • Will develop female characteristic such as breasts and small testis
  • Sterile
  • 47 chromosomes
 
Gene mutation
Disease Characteristics
Colour blind
  • Caused by mutant recessive genes on chromosome X
  • Patient unable to differentiate between red and green colours
  • Usually occurs in males
Sickle cell anaemia
  • Caused by a recessive gene on the autosome
  • Affected the gene responsible for production of haemoglobin
  • Red blood cells are crescent shaped which affect the transportation of oxygen
Thalasassemia
  • Caused by the mutation of the gene that controls the production of haemoglobin
  • Small red blood cells and the lifespan of the cells is short
  • Can cause severe blood deficiency
Haemophilia
  • Caused by mutation on the gene producing the blood clotting factor
  • Difficulty in the clotting in blood
  • Patient will lose blood continuously if wonded or injured
 
Factors that cause mutation
  • Natural
  • Pregnancy at a late age
  • Carcinogens
  • Ultraviolet rays
  • X-rays
  • Radioactive rays
 
Genetic screening 
  • To detect gene disorder disease
  • Examples:
    • Karyototyping - to test the number, size and shape of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell
    • Amniocentesis - to identify foetal cell abnormalities from 15th to the 20th week of pregnancy 
 
Application of genetic research to improve quality of life
Field Application & Description
Medical

Gene therapy 

  • To treat or replace gene disorder disease with healthy gene
Agriculture

Genetic modified food 

  • Produce crops and livestck that mature quickly
  • High quality and quantity of yield
  • High resistace towards disease 
Forensic science

DNA test for genetic genealogy

  • Carries out the study on crime investigation by identifying and confirming the chronology of an incident based on scientific evidence obtained

 

 

 

 

Mutation

5.3 Mutation
 
Mutation Definition
Mutation is a spontaneous and random change that takes place in the genes and chromosomes that can cause changes of characteristic to the offspring who inhetits the modified genes
 

Mutation

 
Chromosome mutation Gene mutation
Number chromosome change Structure of gene change
  • Down Syndrome
  • Turner Syndrome 
  • Klinefelter syndrome 
  • Colour blindness
  • Sickle cell anaemia
  • Thalassemia
  • Haemophilia
  • Albinism
 
Chromosome mutation
Types of chromosome Amount of chromosome and its characteristic

Down syndrome

Extra chromosome in chromosome number 21

  • Physical and mental retardation
  • Short neck
  • Slanted eyes
  • Short stocky body
  • 47 chromosomes

Turner syndrome

Less number of sex chromosomes

  • A person with Turner syndrome is a female
  • Cannot undergo the development of secondary sexual characteristic of female
  • Sterile
  • 45 chromosomes

Klinefelter syndrome

More number of sex chromosomes

  • A person with Klinefelter syndrome is male
  • Will develop female characteristic such as breasts and small testis
  • Sterile
  • 47 chromosomes
 
Gene mutation
Disease Characteristics
Colour blind
  • Caused by mutant recessive genes on chromosome X
  • Patient unable to differentiate between red and green colours
  • Usually occurs in males
Sickle cell anaemia
  • Caused by a recessive gene on the autosome
  • Affected the gene responsible for production of haemoglobin
  • Red blood cells are crescent shaped which affect the transportation of oxygen
Thalasassemia
  • Caused by the mutation of the gene that controls the production of haemoglobin
  • Small red blood cells and the lifespan of the cells is short
  • Can cause severe blood deficiency
Haemophilia
  • Caused by mutation on the gene producing the blood clotting factor
  • Difficulty in the clotting in blood
  • Patient will lose blood continuously if wonded or injured
 
Factors that cause mutation
  • Natural
  • Pregnancy at a late age
  • Carcinogens
  • Ultraviolet rays
  • X-rays
  • Radioactive rays
 
Genetic screening 
  • To detect gene disorder disease
  • Examples:
    • Karyototyping - to test the number, size and shape of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell
    • Amniocentesis - to identify foetal cell abnormalities from 15th to the 20th week of pregnancy 
 
Application of genetic research to improve quality of life
Field Application & Description
Medical

Gene therapy 

  • To treat or replace gene disorder disease with healthy gene
Agriculture

Genetic modified food 

  • Produce crops and livestck that mature quickly
  • High quality and quantity of yield
  • High resistace towards disease 
Forensic science

DNA test for genetic genealogy

  • Carries out the study on crime investigation by identifying and confirming the chronology of an incident based on scientific evidence obtained