Form 4 Science

Chapter 3

3.4 Mutation 突变
 Mutation 抄 !
• A change in the genetic information
of an individual is called mutation.
 Types of mutation 抄 !
a) Chromosome mutation – refers to changes in
the structure or number of chromosomes.
Such changes occur as a result of errors in
cell division.
b) Gene mutation – due to chemical changes in
individual genes.
 Consequences of chromosome mutations
抄!
a) Down’s syndrome (an extra chromosome 21)
b) Klinefelter’s syndrome (XXY)
c) Turner’s syndrome (XO)
Down’s syndrome
 Down’s
Syndrome
(extra
chromosome 21)
 Klinefelter’s
syndrome (XXY)
Turner’s syndrome (XO)
Turner’s syndrome (XO)
 Consequences of Gene Mutations 抄 !

a) Colour blindness 色盲– inability of a

person to differentiate colours. The
gene for colour blindness is recessive
and is found in the X chromosome.
b) Albinism 白化病– a gene mutation
occurs that interferes with melanin
production.
Albinism
An albino african child
 The causes of mutations 抄 !
• Radioactive gamma rays
• Ultraviolet light
• Chemicals such as mustard gas 化武
Mustard gas effects
The advantages and disadvantages of mutation
抄!
• Mutations produce an individual with
characteristics that are different from the rest.
• Advantages: enable organisms to adapt better
to changes in the environment
• Disadvantages: cause deformities or genetic
diseases such as haemophilia and colour
blindness.
Fukushima disaster 2011
"mutant" earless bunny
 From
https://sciencing.com/the-advantages-and-disadvant
ages-of-mutation-12578847.html

Advantage - Survival
• Mutations have been responsible for antibiotic
resistance in bacteria, sickle cell resistance to
malaria, and immunity to HIV, among others
 Disadvantage - Disease
• E! Science News 2008 explains how a
particular mutation relatively common on the
Indian subcontinent predisposes people to
heart disease.
• Many other diseases, such as cancer, diabetes
and asthma, are linked to genetic mutations.
Science Module pg.51-53
Homework