Which mutation is lethal?

Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Chapter21: Dna, Genes, And Biotechnology
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Which mutation is lethal?

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Step 1

The mutation is the change that occurs in the DNA sequences due to environmental factors or by mistakes when DNA is copied. Environmental factors that cause mutation can be the effect of ultraviolet rays, smoking, etc. Mutations are basically some alterations in the nucleotide sequences of the DNA or genome. They can also occur during the replication, meiosis, and mitosis, or other types of damage to the DNA. They can result in many types of changes in the DNA sequence. Mutations can be less harmful or can be lethal.

Step 2

The lethal mutation is the mutation in which the effects of mutation can result in the death of the organism or reduce significantly the expected longevity of the organism that carrying the mutation. It means lethal mutation causes the premature death of the organism. Recessive lethal kill the homozygotes only, while dominant lethal kill both the homozygotes and heterozygotes.

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