Mutations and Viruses

This AP® Biology pathway explores how changes in DNA contribute to genetic variation and influence phenotypes. Learners will investigate the different types of mutations and how alterations in DNA sequences can affect the function or amount of gene products. Learners will also examine how changes in genotype produce phenotypic variation that can be acted on by natural selection. This includes the effects of chromosomal changes, polyploidy, and human disorders, as well as mechanisms in prokaryotes—such as transformation, transduction, conjugation, and transposition—that increase genetic diversity. Through these examples, learners will see how mutations and other sources of variation drive evolution and shape the diversity of life. Coming soon: new interactive content on small scale mutations, horizontal gene transfer, viral cycles and repairing DNA errors. AP® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which has not reviewed this resource.

Topics

• AP
• AP Biology
• AP Bio
• next generation science standards
• NGSS
• missense conservation
• missense non-conservative
• DNA polymerase
• mismatch repair enzymes
• nucleotide excision repair system
• horizontal gene transfer
• viral cycles
• DNA
• monosomy
• aneuploidy
• chromosome mutation