Changes in the DNA code (mutations) can
be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.
Genetic mutations can be inherited from
the mother, from the father, from both,
or they can appear for the very first
time in an individual (new mutation).
Whether a mutation is harmful depends
on how the altered code in the DNA affects
its instructional message:
Normal
message: GET THE RED HAT.
Mutation 1: GET THE
RED CAP.
Two letters have changed,
but the end product is not significantly
altered. This represents a neutral change
that is not likely to disrupt the resultant
protein and it's function.
Normal message:
GET THE RED HAT.
Mutation 2: GET THE
RED CAT.
Only one letter has
changed, but the end product is significantly
altered. This represents a harmful change
in the resultant protein product of
this gene, which may manifest in disease.
