DNA Mutations and Impacts
🧬 Part 1: Understanding Mutations
1. Define what a mutation is in your own words:
2. Circle the correct answer. Which of the following is NOT a type of mutation?
Point mutation
Insertion mutation
Deletion mutation
Photosynthesis mutation
3. Fill in the blanks about mutation causes:
Mutations can be caused by _____________ factors such as UV radiation and chemicals, or by random _____________ during DNA replication in cell division.
🌍 Part 2: Environmental Factors and Mutations
4. Check all environmental factors that can cause mutations:
UV radiation from the sun
Chemical pollutants
Viruses
Regular exercise
Radioactive substances
Drinking water
5. Give a specific example of how UV radiation can cause mutations and their effects:
6. Match the mutation cause with its example:
1. UV radiation
2. Chemical exposure
3. Viral infection
4. DNA replication error
A. Random copying mistake during cell division
B. Skin cancer development
C. Industrial pollutant damage
D. HPV causing cervical cancer
🔄 Part 3: Mutations and Genetic Variation
7. True or False: All mutations are harmful to organisms.
8. Explain how mutations contribute to genetic variation in populations:
9. Fill in the blanks about mutation impacts:
Mutations can be _____________, _____________, or harmful depending on the environment. Beneficial mutations may help organisms _____________ to their environment and survive better.
10. Circle the best answer. How do mutations relate to natural selection?
Mutations have no relationship to natural selection
Mutations provide variation that natural selection can act upon
Natural selection prevents all mutations
Mutations only occur after natural selection
🦠 Part 4: Real-World Examples
11. Give an example of a beneficial mutation that helps organisms survive:
12. Explain how antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an example of mutation and adaptation:
13. Check all statements that are true about sickle cell anaemia:
It is caused by a gene mutation
It only affects red blood cells
It can provide some protection against malaria
It is always fatal
It demonstrates how mutations can be both harmful and beneficial
14. Draw a simple diagram showing how a point mutation changes DNA:
🤔 Part 5: Critical Thinking
15. Predict what might happen to a species if the mutation rate suddenly increased dramatically:
16. Explain why genetic variation through mutations is important for species survival in changing environments:
17. Research Extension: Choose one genetic disorder caused by mutation (e.g., cystic fibrosis, haemochromatosis) and briefly describe its cause and effects: