Question

as biotechnology has improved, scientists are able to look more closely at dna, the molecules that hold genetic instructions for development, reproduction, and functioning. the study to study dna closely allows scientists to find evidence of genetic mutation and better understand the effects of these changes. think about how genetic mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or cause no change at all.
beneficial effect
neutral effect
harmful effect

• a mutation occurs in a non - coding portion of dna and does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein
• a mutation that could cause a genetic disorder gets repaired by enzymes before an altered protein is produced
• a mutation of a protein results in protection against a destructive bacterium
• an extra copy of a human chromosome results in a child born with down’s syndrome
• a mutation in the hemoglobin gene can result in sickle cell anemia
• over time, a population of green lizards that live in a desert with white sand become much lighter in color

Explanation:

To classify each mutation effect:

Beneficial Effect:

• A mutation of a protein results in protection against a destructive bacterium: Helps the organism survive, so beneficial.
• Over time, a population of green lizards that live in a desert with white sand become much lighter in color: Camouflage (adaptation) from mutation, beneficial for survival.
• A mutation in the hemoglobin gene can result in sickle cell anemia – Wait, no, sickle cell trait (not anemia in heterozygotes) can protect against malaria. Wait, the option says "sickle cell anemia" (harmful), but maybe a typo. Wait, the correct beneficial ones: The lizard color change (adaptation) and protein mutation for bacteria protection. Also, if "sickle cell anemia" is a mistake, but assuming the intended is sickle cell trait (protection against malaria), but maybe the given is "sickle cell anemia" as harmful. Wait, recheck: The option "A mutation in the hemoglobin gene can result in sickle cell anemia" – sickle cell anemia is harmful, so maybe that’s a mistake. Wait, the other beneficial: "Over time, a population of green lizards... become lighter" (natural selection from mutation, beneficial). "A mutation of a protein... protection against bacteria" (beneficial).

Neutral Effect:

• A mutation occurs in a non - coding portion of DNA and does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein: Non - coding, no effect on protein, so neutral.
• A mutation that could cause a genetic disorder gets repaired by enzymes before an altered protein is produced: Repair means no effect, neutral.

Harmful Effect:

• An extra copy of a human chromosome results in a child born with Down’s Syndrome: Down’s Syndrome is a genetic disorder with harmful effects.
• A mutation in the hemoglobin gene can result in sickle cell anemia: Sickle cell anemia causes health problems, harmful.

Now, assigning each to the columns:

Beneficial Effect:

• A mutation of a protein results in protection against a destructive bacterium
• Over time, a population of green lizards that live in a desert with white sand become much lighter in color

(Note: If "A mutation in the hemoglobin gene..." is intended to be sickle cell trait (beneficial against malaria), but the option says "sickle cell anemia" (harmful), so exclude it here.)

Neutral Effect:

• A mutation occurs in a non - coding portion of DNA and does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein
• A mutation that could cause a genetic disorder gets repaired by enzymes before an altered protein is produced

Harmful Effect:

• An extra copy of a human chromosome results in a child born with Down’s Syndrome
• A mutation in the hemoglobin gene can result in sickle cell anemia

Answer:

Beneficial Effect:

• A mutation of a protein results in protection against a destructive bacterium
• Over time, a population of green lizards that live in a desert with white sand become much lighter in color

Neutral Effect:

• A mutation occurs in a non - coding portion of DNA and does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein
• A mutation that could cause a genetic disorder gets repaired by enzymes before an altered protein is produced

Harmful Effect:

• An extra copy of a human chromosome results in a child born with Down’s Syndrome
• A mutation in the hemoglobin gene can result in sickle cell anemia