How can mutations be harmful or beneficial (explain)?
Explain what information you understand the best. Explain the difference between genotype and phenotype? What strategy helped you remember genotype vs phenotype?
In 5-6 sentences
Mutations can be harmful if they disrupt the normal functioning of a gene, leading to conditions like genetic disorders or diseases. For example, a mutation in a tumor suppressor gene can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. On the other hand, mutations can also be beneficial if they provide an advantage in a particular environment. For example, a mutation that confers resistance to a certain disease can be beneficial for survival.
The information I understand the best is that mutations can be both harmful and beneficial depending on their effect on gene function. I find it fascinating how something as small as a change in a single nucleotide can have such a significant impact on an organism.
Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an individual, representing the specific DNA sequences inherited from parents. Phenotype, on the other hand, refers to the physical traits and characteristics that result from the interaction between genes and the environment. A helpful strategy that helped me remember the difference between genotype and phenotype is thinking of "geno" as standing for genes or genetics, and "pheno" as representing physical traits or appearance.