Explain the concept of a mutation and how mutations can translate to loss or gain of function?

Answer/ Explanation

Mutation is a change in DNA sequence which usually occurs as a results of mistakes in DNA replication or exposure to mutagenic agents. Mutations can cause loss of function of a gene, or produce a new function

A loss of function mutation happens when a mutation causes the a gene to have a reduced or lost activity or function. For example, a single base deletion in the coding region of the gene could produce a frame shift mutation, changing all downstream information and creating a useless protein that can no longer carry out its function. Alternatively, a base substitution could change an amino acid. If this amino acid is in an important region, for example a binding site, or a catalytic domain, the protein can no longer perform its tasks.

A gain of function mutation occurs when a change in DNA sequence does not  disrupt the function of a protein, but instead adds to its function through increasing its activity or giving it additional abilities. For example, a mutation in a promoter site that means the gene is always being transcribed (constitutively active). Another example could be a mutation that generates a new binding site in the protein, allowing it to interact with new partners.

9.9 years

a = p(1 + rt) . . account balance after time t at rate r starting with principal p

3000 = 2500(1 + 0.0202t) . . filling in the given numbers

1.2 = 1 + 0.0202t . . divide by 2500

0.2 = 0.0202t . . . subtract 1

0.2/0.0202 = t ≈ 9.901

it will take about 9.9 years for the account balance to reach $3000.

"1. it should be, it has been for about 20 years, and it's really not much different in the end than breeding animals to have particular traits. there are always concerns about genetically engineered animals/plants affecting the environment in unexpected negative ways, but i can't think of an example where the fears didn't turn out to be baseless.  

first, as you point out, it would be a great advance in pharmacology, to be able to tailor drugs and their doses to me. the pros involve better medical treatment. the cons involve privacy issues like insurance companies denying coverage to people with genetic risk factors. looking at dna markers wouldn't affect the frequency of genetic diseases, but it would allow detection of them earlier. and ok, actually i suppose that if people used this information to avoid having children with genetic diseases, some might decrease in frequency."