A gene error, also known as a genetic mutation, is a change in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene, potentially disrupting its normal function.
This disruption can manifest in several ways. Think of a gene as an instruction manual for your cells:
- Unreadable Instructions: The mutation might make the instructions difficult or impossible for the cell to understand.
- Missing Parts: Crucial sections of the instruction manual could be missing.
- Added Parts: Unnecessary or incorrect sections might be added, leading to faulty products or processes.
When these genetic instructions are flawed, cells may not function correctly. This can lead to a variety of consequences, ranging from minor effects to serious diseases.
For example, a gene error could cause:
- A cell to produce a non-functional protein.
- A cell to produce too much of a protein.
- A cell to fail to produce a necessary protein.
These errors can arise spontaneously during DNA replication or be caused by environmental factors like radiation or exposure to certain chemicals. While some mutations are harmful, others are neutral or even beneficial, driving evolution and diversity.
