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Skills Worksheet

Mutations and Genetic Change (p319-324)

1. Write the four key questions for this section, and give a brief answer of
each one (clue—answers are in the text following blue arrows).
A.

B.

C.

D.

2. After reading p. 319, describe the differences between these vocabulary

terms: mutation, mutagen, and mutant
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3. List and describe these types of mutations:

A) DNA Changes ( 2 types)

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B) Changes in Results of Genes (5 types)
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C) Chromosomal Mutations (5 types)

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Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Holt Biology 1 Genes in Action
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Answer these questions about different mutations:

4. If a mutation causes a sequence of nucleotides to change from ACGAGA to

ACGAGGA, the mutation is called a(n) [insertion / deletion] mutation.
5. Mutations that change one or just a few nucleotides in a gene on a
chromosome are called [random / point] mutations.
6. If a point mutation is such that it causes a codon to specify a different amino
acid, the mutation is called a [missense / silent] mutation.
7. If a mutation causes a sequence of nucleotides to change from ACGAGA to
ACGGA, the mutation is called a(n) [insertion / deletion] mutation.
8. A chromosomal mutation that leads to repetitive alleles is called a(n)
[inversion / duplication].

9. What’s the difference between gametes and somatic cells? Why is this
important for how mutations affect a person, or their children?
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10. Describe how mutations could lead to cancer.

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Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Holt Biology 2 Genes in Action