Mutations

Mutations are changes to the sequence on nucleotides in an individuals genome. This can affect the codons being read and expressed as amino acids during transcription (DNA to RNA), and translation (RNA to Proteins)

Most mutations are natural and occur during DNA replication or during Meiosis. Mutations occurring during the production of gametes (Meiosis), will affect the whole offspring. Every cell in the offspring will carry out this Mutation

The earlier a mutation happens, and the larger the section affected, the bigger the impact. Mutations in somatic cells of a developing individual will only affect the tissue it belongs to.

• Cells have mechanisms for managing mutations, therefore most mutations don’t have an impact as they are usually repaired, or they simply become natural variants of a trait. e.g. green eyes.