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Mutations and Genetic Variation — Reading Comprehension

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MS-LS3-1
MS-LS3-2

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This middle school science passage explores the concept of mutations and their critical role in creating genetic variation within populations. Students will learn how mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can occur through substitution, insertion, or deletion of genetic material. The passage explains both internal causes, such as errors during DNA replication, and external causes, like radiation and chemicals. Real-world examples—including the sickle cell mutation in humans and antibiotic resistance in bacteria—demonstrate how mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or neutral. The passage emphasizes the significance of mutations in evolution and adaptation, connecting these ideas to the broader NGSS standards MS-LS3-1 and MS-LS3-2. Activities include comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to support understanding. All materials are audio integrated for accessibility and are designed to build both scientific vocabulary and critical thinking skills.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Missense Mutation Example" by U.S. National Library of Medicine / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Mutations are a key force in shaping the diversity of life on Earth. In every generation, some organisms are born with small changes in their DNA—the chemical code that carries genetic information. These changes, known as mutations, provide the raw material for evolution and adaptation. Scientists study how and why mutations occur to understand the patterns of inherited diseases, the rise of antibiotic resistance, and the way species evolve.

How Mutations Happen in DNA
DNA is made up of four chemical bases arranged in a specific sequence. A mutation is any change in this sequence. There are different types: a substitution replaces one base with another; an insertion adds an extra base; a deletion removes a base from the sequence. Mutations often occur during DNA replication, when cells copy their DNA before dividing. Even though cells have proofreading systems, mistakes can slip through. Environmental factors such as radiation (like UV rays from the sun) or harmful chemicals (such as those in cigarette smoke) can also damage DNA and cause mutations.

Effects of Mutations: Harmful, Neutral, and Beneficial
Not all mutations have the same impact. Some are harmful, leading to diseases like cancer or genetic disorders. For example, a single base substitution in the gene for hemoglobin causes sickle cell anemia, a disorder that affects red blood cells. Other mutations are neutral, causing no noticeable change in the organism. Some are beneficial and help organisms survive in changing environments. In bacteria, mutations can produce antibiotic resistance, allowing them to survive medicines that would normally kill them. Mutations in body cells (like skin or lung cells) usually affect only the individual. However, mutations in gametes—the reproductive cells—can be passed on to offspring, creating new genetic variation in populations.

Mutations as the Source of Genetic Variation
Genetic variation is essential for evolution and the survival of species. Without mutations, all organisms would be genetically identical, and populations could not adapt to new challenges. Over long periods, mutations accumulate, leading to differences between individuals, species, and even entire ecosystems. Scientists have measured that, on average, about 1 in every 100 million DNA bases is changed by mutation each generation. This tiny rate, multiplied across billions of organisms, drives the diversity we see in nature today.

In summary, mutations are random changes in DNA that can have harmful, neutral, or beneficial effects. They are the ultimate source of genetic variation, enabling populations to adapt and evolve over time. By studying mutations, scientists gain insight into health, disease, and the processes that shape life on Earth.

Interesting Fact: Some mutations in bacteria can make them resistant to antibiotics within just a few generations, challenging doctors to find new ways to fight infections.

What is a mutation?

A change in the DNA sequenceA part of a cell that makes energyA type of protein in the bloodA process for breaking down food

Which of the following can cause mutations?

Errors during DNA replicationOnly eating unhealthy foodsDrinking waterSleeping too little

A substitution mutation is when:

One DNA base is replaced by anotherA base is removed from DNAA base is added to DNADNA is not copied at all

What happens to mutations that occur in gametes?

They can be inherited by offspringThey always cause cancerThey only affect the skinThey disappear immediately

In the passage, what is one example of a harmful mutation?

Sickle cell anemiaBlue eyesLong hairResistance to antibiotics

What effect can mutations have on organisms?

Harmful, neutral, or beneficial effectsOnly beneficial effectsThey always cause deathNo effect at all

Based on the passage, why is genetic variation important?

It helps populations adapt and survive in changing environmentsIt makes all organisms exactly the sameIt only causes diseasesIt stops evolution

Which statement best explains why mutations are the source of genetic variation?

Mutations create new DNA changes that can be passed to offspringMutations always fix damaged DNAMutations remove all differences between organismsMutations are controlled by scientists

True or False: All mutations are harmful and cause diseases.

TrueFalse

True or False: Environmental factors like radiation can cause mutations in DNA.

TrueFalse