A mutation is a change in a DNA sequence. Mutations can result from DNA copying mistakes made during cell division, exposure to ionizing radiation, exposure to chemicals called mutagens, or infection by viruses.

Point mutation is the mutation that affects a single nucleotide or nucleic acid. Sickle cell anemia: It is caused by single point mutation in the beta haemoglobin gene. This results in the conversion of GAG codon into GUG that encodes amino acid valine.

There are three types of DNA Mutations: base substitutions, deletions and insertions. 1. Base Substitutions. Single base substitutions are called point mutations, recall the point mutation Glu —–> Val which causes sickle-cell disease. Point mutations are the most common type of mutation and there are two types.

No; only a small percentage of variants cause genetic disorders—most have no impact on health or development. For example, some variants alter a gene’s DNA sequence but do not change the function of the protein made from the gene.

A Mutation occurs when a DNA gene is damaged or changed in such a way as to alter the genetic message carried by that gene. A Mutagen is an agent of substance that can bring about a permanent alteration to the physical composition of a DNA gene such that the genetic message is changed.

In biology, and especially in genetics, a mutant is an organism or a new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is generally an alteration of the DNA sequence of the genome or chromosome of an organism.

Many mutations have no effect at all. These are called silent mutations. But the mutations we hear about most often are the ones that cause disease. Some well-known inherited genetic disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, phenylketonuria and color-blindness, among many others.

Types of Changes in DNA

It can occur by natural selection, when certain traits created by genetic mutations help an organism survive or reproduce. Such mutations are thus more likely to be passed on to the next generation, so they increase in frequency in a population.

A gene pool is the total genetic diversity found within a population or a species. A large gene pool has extensive genetic diversity and is better able to withstand the challenges posed by environmental stresses.

Over time, these minor mutations might build up and have serious consequences. Left unchecked, our DNA might decline in quality, generation after generation. Eventually enough mutations will build up to weaken the human genetic pool.

DNA damage is distinctly different from mutation, although both are types of error in DNA. DNA damage is an abnormal chemical structure in DNA, while a mutation is a change in the sequence of standard base pairs. While most DNA damages can undergo DNA repair, such repair is not 100% efficient.