Mutation - Types and Causes - Unsolved Practice Set
Chapter: Principles of Inheritance and Variation | Topic: Mutation Types and Causes
MUTATION - TYPES AND CAUSES - UNSOLVED PRACTICE SET
Topic: Mutation Types and Causes
Multiple Choice Questions
Q1. A mutation refers to:
- Any change in the environment of an organism
- A sudden, heritable change in the genetic material (DNA/chromosome)
- A change in phenotype due to diet alone
- A change caused only by ageing
Q2. A change involving the substitution of a single nitrogenous base in DNA is called a:
- Chromosomal aberration
- Point mutation
- Frameshift mutation
- Polygenic mutation
Q3. Insertion or deletion of a single base pair in DNA, which shifts the reading frame of the genetic code, is called a:
- Point mutation
- Frameshift mutation
- Silent mutation
- Chromosomal duplication
Q4. Sickle cell anaemia in humans is caused by:
- A chromosomal deletion
- A point mutation causing a single amino acid substitution in haemoglobin
- A large-scale chromosomal duplication
- A change in chromosome number
Q5. Agents that cause mutations, such as UV radiation or certain chemicals, are called:
- Enzymes
- Mutagens
- Hormones
- Alleles
Short Answer Questions
Q6. Define mutation, and briefly differentiate between gene mutation and chromosomal mutation.
Q7. What is a point mutation? Give one example of a human disorder caused by it.
Q8. Why do frameshift mutations (insertions/deletions) often have a more severe effect on protein structure than point (substitution) mutations?
Q9. Name any two physical or chemical agents (mutagens) known to cause mutations.
Long Answer Questions
Q10. Explain the different types of gene mutations (substitution, insertion, deletion), describing how each affects the genetic code differently.
Q11. Discuss the causes of mutations, distinguishing between spontaneous mutations and those induced by physical or chemical mutagens.
APPLICATION / ANALYSIS
Q12. A single base substitution in the gene coding for haemoglobin changes just one amino acid in the protein, yet it causes the serious condition known as sickle cell anaemia. Explain, using your understanding of point mutations, how such a small genetic change can have such a large effect on health.
Q13. Workers in a factory that uses certain chemicals without proper safety precautions are found, in later health studies, to have a higher rate of genetic mutations. Using your understanding of mutagens, explain how such workplace exposure could lead to an increased mutation rate.