Mutations and GMOs (1/3-1/13)

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Summary:

This week in science we have been learning about Mutations and GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms.) Mutations are not planned or done purposely, but GMOs are modified for specific different reasons from harmful viruses to better tasting fruit. 

What are Mutations?


A mutation is a change of genetic material. There are two ways that Mutations can occur. The first way is by external factors. These are caused by radiation, pollution, or chemicals. Then, there are internal Factors which are errors that get bigger over time such as DNA that fails to copy accurately.


Now you may be thinking, “Can I make a mutation?” Mutations are random, meaning that you cannot decide when they will occur. Mutations can have positive and negative effects that happen right away or over a long period of time.

There are two different kinds of mutations. There are gene mutations and chromosome mutations that have different effects:


Gene Mutations:


  • Substitution – Bases of the DNA alphabet are switched around
  • Insertion – An extra base of the DNA alphabet is added
  • Deletion – One base is removed.

Chromosome Mutations:


  • Duplication - Extra copies of chromosome
  • Deletion – chromosomes are removed
  • Inversion – reversed parts of the chromosomes
  • Translocation – part removed from one chromosome and added to another


What are GMOs?


GMOs are Genetically Modified Organisms. This means that the genes in an organism have been modified for different reasons. In other words, the genetic makeup is changed. GMOs in plants can be because of viruses and pests. They can also be more resistant to droughts and weeds. Also, they can be genetically modified because of improved nutrition. There are various different reasons for GMOs.



An example about a plant that has been genetically modified is the Hawaiian Rainbow papaya when it had the Papaya Ring Spot Virus (PRSV), which is transmitted by bugs. This was a problem because there was less papaya for farmers to grow and people to buy. The gene that they had to change was the resistance to PRSV. If the plants contained certain genetic material from the virus within their own DNA, they were protected. The plants were protected if they put a copy of the virus into the fruits' genetic makeup. Then, they used a process called transformation to spread the virus into the papaya plant.


SP6: Constructing explanations and designing solutions:

In class we constructed explanations of how mutations work and when they are caused when we wrote a Superhero Origin Story explaining whether our superhero suffered a mutation or is a GMO. We had to learn the science behind mutations and GMOs to complete this project. My superhero suffered a mutation by touching harmful chemicals which is and external influence.

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