DNA Mutations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

DNA Mutations - Essay Example The function of the protein made by this polypeptide will be changed or lost as well (Blamire ,2000). To put in simpler language, mutation alters the function of the enzyme that catalyses a particular genetic function resulting in the change of inherited characters through different generations. It results in the alteration of DNA sequence and consequently results in changes in the genetic and physical appearance of an organism. Thus the phenotype of the organism carrying the DNA which went through mutation will be changed. The agents which cause DNA mutation are termed as mutagens. These can be either physical agents or chemical ones (Matulef 2004). There are specific chemical mutagens created and calibrated to create specific genetic changes. They can either mimic the original nucleotide bases in a DNA molecule or remove parts of the nucleotide resulting in improper base pairing during DNA replication. They can also cause genetic changes by adding hydrocarbons to various nucleotides. High energy radiations can also alter the DNA molecule and cause mutation (Matulef 2004). The ultraviolet radiation from the sun is another cause for the same. Ultra violet rays in the presence of sunlight gamma rays and such ionizing radiation etc can increase the frequency of mutation above the natural level. Much differently to these kinds of mutagen induced ones, mutations can also occur spontaneously. Mutation may arise on account of different reasons. In a chromatid, DNA helix runs continuously from one end to another in a highly super coiled form. Therefore loss or gain (deletion or insertion/duplication) of a segment of DNA results in alteration in chromosomes (Montelone, 1998) Since genes are located in chromosomes such an alteration may result in abnormalities or aberrations. Chromosomal aberrations are commonly seen in cancer cells. Moreover Mutation may also arise due to change in a single base pair of DNA.