★ Must-know
📌 Germ-cell mutations can be inherited, whereas somatic-cell mutations arise in body cells and may result from environmental factors such as radiation.
Further detail
Genetic mutations can participate in physiologic and pathologic processes, including evolution, immune-system development, and cancer.
Major complications of genetic mutations include spontaneous abortion, severe organ defects such as tetralogy of Fallot and renal dysplasia, visual or hearing disturbances, growth deficiency, intellectual disability, and cancer.
DNA alteration → altered protein or gene expression → disease
1. What distinguishes a genetic mutation from a transient change in gene expression?
2. Which statement correctly compares germ-cell and somatic-cell mutations?
3. A point mutation replaces a purine with a pyrimidine. What type of substitution is this?
What is a genetic mutation?
A permanent alteration of the DNA sequence.
Which mutations can be inherited?
Germ-cell mutations can be inherited.
Where do somatic-cell mutations arise?
In body cells.
What environmental factor can cause somatic-cell mutations?
Radiation can cause somatic-cell mutations.
In which processes do genetic mutations participate?
Evolution, immune-system development, and cancer.
Name a major complication of genetic mutations related to pregnancy.
Spontaneous abortion.
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