What is a mutation in DNA?

What is a mutation in DNA?

A Mutation occurs when a DNA gene is damaged or changed in such a way as to alter the genetic message carried by that gene. A Mutagen is an agent of substance that can bring about a permanent alteration to the physical composition of a DNA gene such that the genetic message is changed.

What is DNA germline?

Listen to pronunciation. (JERM-line …) Germline DNA refers to tissue derived from reproductive cells (egg or sperm) that become incorporated into the DNA of every cell in the body of the offspring. A germline mutation may be passed from parent to offspring.

What is Cistronic DNA?

Definition of cistron : a segment of DNA that is equivalent to a gene and that specifies a single functional unit (such as a protein or enzyme)

What is an error in DNA?

During the process of DNA replication, errors can sometimes occur. Nucleotide bases may be inserted, deleted, or mismatched into the DNA strand incorrectly. For this reason, it is important for the biological system to have mechanisms in place to detect and repair these errors.

What is the difference between cistron and exon?

Exons are the segments of DNA and RNA that contain information coding for a protein or peptide sequence. Cistron is the DNA segment that codes for a specific polypeptide in protein synthesis.

Why does DNA mutate?

Definition. A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism. Mutations can result from errors in DNA replication during cell division, exposure to mutagens or a viral infection.

How does DNA mismatch happen?

Mismatch repair happens right after new DNA has been made, and its job is to remove and replace mis-paired bases (ones that were not fixed during proofreading). Mismatch repair can also detect and correct small insertions and deletions that happen when the polymerases “slips,” losing its footing on the template 2.