Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination

Induced Mutations

Genetics

17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination

Induced Mutations

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2:52 minutes

Problem 1b

Textbook Question

How do we know that certain chemicals and wavelengths of radiation induce mutations in DNA?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that certain chemicals and wavelengths of radiation are mutagens, which are agents that cause changes in the DNA sequence. These changes can be studied experimentally to determine their effects on DNA.

Design an experiment where cells or organisms are exposed to a specific chemical or type of radiation. Include a control group that is not exposed to the mutagen to compare results.

Use molecular techniques, such as DNA sequencing, to analyze the DNA of the exposed group and the control group. Look for differences in the DNA sequence that indicate mutations.

Correlate the frequency and types of mutations observed with the exposure to the chemical or radiation. For example, ultraviolet (UV) radiation is known to cause thymine dimers, which are specific DNA lesions.

Confirm the results by repeating the experiment and using different concentrations of the chemical or varying the intensity/duration of radiation exposure. This helps establish a dose-response relationship, further supporting the conclusion that the agent induces mutations.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Mutagenesis

Mutagenesis refers to the process by which genetic mutations are induced in an organism's DNA. Certain chemicals, known as mutagens, can alter the structure of DNA, leading to errors during replication. Similarly, specific wavelengths of radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) light and ionizing radiation, can cause direct damage to DNA, resulting in mutations. Understanding mutagenesis is crucial for studying how environmental factors can influence genetic stability.

DNA Repair Mechanisms

Cells possess various DNA repair mechanisms that correct damage caused by mutagens. These include base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, and double-strand break repair. Each mechanism is tailored to address specific types of DNA damage, ensuring the integrity of the genetic material. The efficiency and accuracy of these repair systems are vital for preventing the accumulation of mutations that could lead to diseases such as cancer.

Experimental Evidence

The relationship between mutagens and DNA mutations is supported by experimental evidence from various studies. Researchers use model organisms and cell cultures to expose them to suspected mutagens, followed by assays to detect mutations. Techniques such as Ames tests and sequencing allow scientists to quantify mutation rates and identify specific changes in the DNA sequence. This empirical approach provides a robust framework for understanding how certain chemicals and radiation can induce genetic alterations.

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Related Practice

Multiple Choice

Which of the following mutagens wedges between DNA bases to disrupt the helix structure?

Which of the following mutagens alters base affinities by adding an alkyl group?

Which of the following mutations would have the least effect on an individual?

Identify two general ways chemical mutagens can alter DNA. Give examples of these two mechanisms.

511

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Textbook Question

Nitrous acid and 5-bromodeoxyuracil (BrdU) alter DNA by different mechanisms. What type of mutation does each compound produce?

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Textbook Question

UV irradiation causes damage to bacterial DNA. What kind of damage is frequently caused and how does photolyase repair the damage?

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Textbook Question

In March 2011 an earthquake measuring approximately 9.0 on the Richter scale struck Fukushima, Japan. Several nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daichii Nuclear Power Plant were damaged, and nuclear core meltdown occurred. A massive release of radiation accompanied damage to the plant, and 5 years later the incidence of thyroid cancer in children exposed to the radiation was determined to be well over 100 times more frequent than expected without radiation exposure. DNA damage and mutations resulting from radiation exposure are suspected of causing this increased cancer rate. Do you think it is possible that significant increases in the incidence of other types of cancer will occur in the future among people who were exposed to the Fukushima radiation? Why?

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Textbook Question

In March 2011 an earthquake measuring approximately 9.0 on the Richter scale struck Fukushima, Japan. Several nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daichii Nuclear Power Plant were damaged, and nuclear core meltdown occurred. A massive release of radiation accompanied damage to the plant, and 5 years later the incidence of thyroid cancer in children exposed to the radiation was determined to be well over 100 times more frequent than expected without radiation exposure. DNA damage and mutations resulting from radiation exposure are suspected of causing this increased cancer rate. What gene discussed in this chapter might be responsible for pausing the cell cycle of dividing cells long enough for radiation-induced damage to be repaired in cells?

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