Mutations

Mutations: Nature's Little Mix-Ups!

Think of your DNA as a recipe for a cake. Every ingredient needs to be perfect to bake something yummy. But sometimes, someone spills flour or forgets the sugar—these little mistakes are called mutations! A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence. They can happen for many reasons, like a mistake in the genetic code, exposure to radiation, or errors when cells duplicate their DNA. Some mutations are harmless, some are helpful, and others can cause problems.

Types of Mutations:

• Frameshift (Insertions and Deletions)

• Missense

• Nonsense

• Silent

Frameshift Mutations: These are like trickster kids! They occur when DNA building blocks (nucleotides) are added or removed, shifting the reading frame. It’s like changing a letter in a sentence, which alters everything that comes after. This can create new protein sequences, often leading to faulty proteins or major trait changes. Whether causing strange traits in plants or contributing to human genetic disorders, frameshift mutations show how fun and surprising genetics can be!