Mutations
- Mutations are random genetic changes, that can sometimes result in the creation of brand-new alleles or genes
- Most mutations have no effect on the phenotype as the protein that a mutated gene produces may work just as well as the protein from the non-mutated gene
- Rarely, mutations lead to the development of new alleles and new phenotypes. If they do, most will have a small effect on the organism
- Occasionally, the new allele gives the individual a survival advantage over other members of the species
- For example:
- A bird develops a mutation leading to a change in beak shape
- This gives the bird access to a wider range of food sources
- This increases the chances that the bird will survive and reproduce
- Therefore giving more chances of passing on the mutated allele, and therefore phenotype, to the next generation
- Mutations can also lead to harmful changes that can have dramatic effects on the body - for example, sickle cell anaemia in humans
- Mutations happen spontaneously and continuously but their frequency can be increased by exposure to the following:
- Gamma rays, x-rays and ultraviolet rays - all types of ionising radiation which can damage bonds and cause changes in base sequences
- The greater the exposure to ionising radiation, the more chance there is of mutations in DNA
- Increased rates of mutation can cause cells to become cancerous, which is why the above are linked to increased incidence of different types of cancer
Examiner Tip
Note that in the exam, it is enough just to refer to the impact of 'ionising radiation' on mutations, without reference to specific examples.