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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2:02 minutes

Problem 6a

Textbook Question

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is mutagenic.
What kind of DNA lesion does UV energy cause?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light, and it has enough energy to interact with DNA molecules.

Learn that UV radiation primarily causes the formation of pyrimidine dimers, which are covalent bonds between adjacent pyrimidine bases (thymine or cytosine) on the same DNA strand.

Recognize that the most common type of pyrimidine dimer is the thymine dimer, where two adjacent thymine bases become covalently linked due to UV exposure.

Understand that these pyrimidine dimers distort the DNA structure, interfering with replication and transcription processes, which can lead to mutations if not repaired.

Explore the DNA repair mechanisms, such as nucleotide excision repair (NER), which cells use to detect and remove pyrimidine dimers, restoring the DNA to its original state.

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Key Concepts

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

DNA Lesions

DNA lesions are structural alterations in the DNA molecule that can disrupt its normal function. These lesions can arise from various sources, including environmental factors like UV radiation, which can cause specific types of damage. Understanding DNA lesions is crucial for studying mutagenesis and the mechanisms of DNA repair.

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun and artificial sources. It is known to cause damage to DNA by inducing the formation of pyrimidine dimers, primarily thymine dimers, which can lead to mutations if not repaired. This type of radiation is a significant factor in skin cancer and other genetic disorders.

DNA Repair Mechanisms

DNA repair mechanisms are cellular processes that correct damage to the DNA structure. These mechanisms are essential for maintaining genomic stability and preventing mutations. In the case of UV-induced lesions, nucleotide excision repair is a primary pathway that removes damaged sections of DNA and synthesizes new, correct sequences.

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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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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

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.

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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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