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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3:03 minutes

Problem 7b

Textbook Question

Researchers interested in studying mutation and mutation repair often induce mutations with various agents. What kinds of gene mutations are induced by
Radiation energy? Give two examples.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of gene mutations: Gene mutations are changes in the nucleotide sequence of DNA. These mutations can be induced by external factors such as radiation energy, which causes damage to the DNA structure.

Learn about the types of radiation energy: Radiation energy can be classified into ionizing radiation (e.g., X-rays, gamma rays) and non-ionizing radiation (e.g., UV light). Both types can induce mutations in DNA.

Explore the effects of ionizing radiation: Ionizing radiation can cause double-strand breaks in DNA, leading to chromosomal rearrangements or deletions. It can also result in point mutations by altering individual nucleotides.

Examine the effects of non-ionizing radiation: UV light, a form of non-ionizing radiation, can induce the formation of pyrimidine dimers (e.g., thymine dimers). These dimers disrupt normal base pairing and replication, leading to mutations.

Summarize two examples of mutations induced by radiation energy: Example 1: Double-strand breaks caused by ionizing radiation. Example 2: Pyrimidine dimers caused by UV light. These mutations can lead to errors during DNA repair or replication.

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Key Concepts

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

Types of Gene Mutations

Gene mutations can be classified into several types, including point mutations, insertions, deletions, and frameshift mutations. Point mutations involve a change in a single nucleotide, while insertions and deletions add or remove nucleotides, potentially altering the reading frame of the gene. Understanding these types is crucial for identifying how radiation can induce specific mutations.

Mechanisms of Radiation-Induced Mutations

Radiation energy, such as ultraviolet (UV) light or ionizing radiation, can cause mutations by damaging the DNA structure. UV light can lead to the formation of pyrimidine dimers, which disrupt normal base pairing, while ionizing radiation can cause double-strand breaks. These alterations can result in various mutations if not properly repaired by cellular mechanisms.

Mutation Repair Mechanisms

Cells have evolved several mechanisms to repair mutations, including nucleotide excision repair (NER) and homologous recombination. NER is particularly important for fixing UV-induced damage, while homologous recombination repairs double-strand breaks. Understanding these repair processes is essential for comprehending how cells maintain genetic stability despite exposure to mutagens like radiation.

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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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Textbook Question

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is mutagenic.

Identify and describe two DNA repair mechanisms that remove UV-induced DNA lesions.

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Textbook Question

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is mutagenic.

How do UV-induced DNA lesions lead to mutation?

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Textbook Question

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is mutagenic.

What kind of DNA lesion does UV energy cause?

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Textbook Question

Researchers interested in studying mutation and mutation repair often induce mutations with various agents. What kinds of gene mutations are induced by

Chemical mutagens? Give two examples.

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Textbook Question

Discuss the advantages (and possible disadvantages) of the different mutagens in the following table:

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Textbook Question

Contrast and compare the mutagenic effects of deaminating agents, alkylating agents, and base analogs.

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Textbook Question