ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
After reviewing your lecture notes for today answer the following questions. (You can also bring in outside information into this discussion that you researched)
1) How can mutations be helpful or harmful? Give an example.
After you post then respond thoughtfully to at least 2 other classmates indicating you have read what they have written.
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
Mutations are modifications to the DNA sequence that can take place spontaneously or be brought on by external elements like radiation, chemicals, or viruses. While mutations are frequently linked to adverse outcomes like the emergence of genetic illnesses, they can also be advantageous to an organism.
The BRCA1 gene mutation, which raises the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, is one example of a damaging mutation. If they want to lower their risk, people who carry this mutation may elect to have preventative surgery or more frequent cancer screenings.
On the other side, advantageous mutations might increase an organism’s capacity for environmental adaptation and survival. For instance, a mutation led to the loss of tusks in some populations of African elephants. This helped the elephants avoid poaching for their ivory tusks, which was endangering them severely and posing a serious threat to their survival.
Additionally, bacteria might have advantageous alterations that enable them to endure in the presence of antibiotics. As an illustration, a mutation that makes bacteria manufacture an enzyme that metabolizes antibiotics may enable the creation of antibiotic-resistant strains by allowing the bacteria to survive and proliferate.
In conclusion, a mutation can affect an organism in both negative and positive ways. Beneficial mutations can aid an organism in adapting to its environment and enhancing its chances of survival, but detrimental mutations can cause genetic problems and raise the risk of diseases. It’s critical to comprehend the nature of mutations in order to find cures for genetic diseases and stop the spread of germs that are resistant to antibiotics.
To the first classmate:
Your explanation of the BRCA1 gene mutation and its impact on cancer risk struck me as being quite insightful. It is crucial to take into account any potential negative effects of mutations, particularly those that raise the likelihood of contracting serious diseases. I particularly appreciated how you succinctly described the advantages of advantageous mutations, like the tuskless African elephants. This illustration demonstrates how mutations can aid in an organism’s ability to adapt to its environment.
To classmate number two:
Your use of the example of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms struck me as particularly pertinent to the current state of public health. The medical world is becoming increasingly concerned about antibiotic resistance, thus it’s critical to comprehend how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. It was apparent and well-explained how the enzyme that breaks down medications can result in the emergence of strains that are resistant to antibiotics. In general, your post improved my understanding of the dangers posed by deleterious mutations and the significance of combating antibiotic resistance.
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