AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Chromosome Mutations: There are four different types of chromosomal mutations: Deletions, Translocations, Duplications and Inversions (pictured below). Note that any chromosome mutation resulting in a significant loss of genetic material (Deletion) is most likely to be lethal.

Detailed explanation-2: -Mutations caused by insertion or deletion of nitrogenous bases in the DNA sequence leads to the most damage to DNA since it completely changes the reading frame for the process of protein synthesis. Insertion or deletion that results in frameshift mutation are considered as the most damaging mutation.

Detailed explanation-3: -Chromosome mutations are potentially more dangerous than gene mutations because they can be swapped and transferred to that parent’s child. When a chromosome mutates, whole sets of genes are altered versus 1 gene.

Detailed explanation-4: -Chromosomal alterations are very serious. They often result in the death of the organism in which they occur. If the organism survives, it may be affected in multiple ways. An example of a human chromosomal alteration is the mutation that causes Down Syndrome.