What is a gene mutation?

Gene mutations are permanent changes in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

Why can substitution mutations lead to potentially very different effects on protein structure?

  1. They may result in a stop codon, ending polypeptide synthesis
  2. They may result in a different amino acid
  3. They may result in no change to the amino acid sequence, due to the degenerate nature of the genetic code

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is a duplication mutation?

A duplication mutation is one where one or more bases are repeated, causing a frame shift to the right.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is an inversion mutation?

An inversion mutation is one where a group of bases detach and rejoin in reverse order, affecting the amino acid sequence.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is a translocation mutation?

A translocation mutation results in the movement of a DNA segment from one chromosome to another, often affecting gene expression.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What are the potential benefits of mutations?

Mutations can provide the genetic diversity necessary for natural selection and speciation.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What are the potential costs of mutations?

Mutations are sometimes harmful, making an organism less suited to its environment and possibly affecting its survival.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

How do mutations in body cells differ from those in gametes?

Mutations in body cells can disrupt normal functions like cell division, potentially causing cancer.


They cannot be inherited by offspring.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.