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Chapter 19: Problem 5

X-rays strike a chromosome in a living cell and ultimately cause the cell to die. Did the X-rays produce a mutation? Explain why or why not.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Whether X-rays cause a mutation depends on whether they alter a cell's DNA sequence or simply destroy it. If the DNA sequence was altered before the cell died, a mutation occurred. If the cell died due to overall damage without alteration to the DNA sequence, it's not considered a mutation.

Step by step solution

01

Define a Mutation

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence within a gene or a chromosome of an organism that can result in different physical characteristics.
02

Understand the Effect of X-rays

X-rays are a type of radiation that can penetrate living cells and have enough energy to modify an atom's structure, potentially breaking the bonds between atoms in the DNA molecule inside a cell's nucleus. This can cause damage or changes to the genetic material.
03

Analyze if a Mutation was the Cause of Cell Death

If X-rays cause a change in the DNA sequence, this would be classified as a mutation. But if they simply caused such significant damage that the cell couldn't recover and died, this wouldn't necessarily be a mutation. The difference lies in whether the genetic code was altered (mutation) or simply destroyed (not a mutation).

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Is a random mutation more likely to be beneficial or harmful? Explain your answer.

In Chapters 12 through 16 , we discussed many sequences that are outside a coding sequence but are important for gene expression. Look up two of these sequences and write them out. Explain how a mutation could change these sequences, thereby altering gene expression.

A gene mutation changes an AT base pair to GC. This change causes a gene to encode a truncated protein that is nonfunctional. An organism that carries this mutation cannot survive at high temperatures. Make a list of all the genetic terms that could be used to describe this type of mutation.

As discussed in Chapter 25, most forms of cancer are caused by environmental agents that produce mutations in somatic cells. Is an individual with cancer considered a genctic mosaic? Explain why or why not.

Explain what happens to the sequence of DNA during trinocleotide repeat expansion (TNRE). If someane was mildly affected with a TNRE disorder, what issues would be important when considering possible effects in future offspring?
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