A-Level Biology Specification

AQA 7402

Section 8.1: Alteration of the sequence of bases in DNA can alter the structure of proteins

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#8.1.1

Gene mutations might arise during DNA replication. They include addition, deletion, substitution, inversion, duplication and translocation of bases.

#8.1.2

Gene mutations occur spontaneously. The mutation rate is increased by mutagenic agents. Mutations can result in a different amino acid sequence in the encoded polypeptide.

- Some gene mutations change only one triplet code. Due to the degenerate nature of the genetic code, not all such mutations result in a change to the encoded amino acid.
- Some gene mutations change the nature of all base triplets downstream from the mutation, ie result in a frame shift.

#8.1.3

Students should be able to relate the nature of a gene mutation to its effect on the encoded polypeptide.