Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Consequences of Mutations in Germ vs. Somatic Cells

Word Count Emoji
489 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Let's Dive Right In! 📖

  • Mutation: Think of mutations like typos in the genetic code.
  • Germ Cells: The cells that make babies! 🍼 (i.e., gametes – egg & sperm).
  • Somatic Cells: Every other cell in the body. From the tip of your toe to the top of your head!

Germ Cell Mutations - 🥚 + 🧬 = 👶

  • These mutations occur in our reproductive cells (gametes).
  • If there's a mutation, it can be passed on to the offspring (like passing on a secret recipe).
    • Good News: Occasionally, the mutation gives the baby a superpower (advantage). 🦸‍♂️
    • Bad News: Most of the time, it might cause a genetic disease (like inheriting a broken toy).
    • Pro Tip: So, we want to keep the number of mutations in our gametes low! Especially in the gonads (the fancy word for ovaries and testes).

Somatic Cell Mutations - 💅 + 🧬

  • These mutations happen in our body cells.
  • Once the person passes away, the mutation goes with them (like a personal secret). It won't be passed down.
  • If a cell messes up because of a mutation, it's generally okay because it can be replaced (think of a Lego piece).

Wait! Hold up! There's a plot twist... 🌪

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IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Consequences of Mutations in Germ vs. Somatic Cells

Word Count Emoji
489 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Let's Dive Right In! 📖

  • Mutation: Think of mutations like typos in the genetic code.
  • Germ Cells: The cells that make babies! 🍼 (i.e., gametes – egg & sperm).
  • Somatic Cells: Every other cell in the body. From the tip of your toe to the top of your head!

Germ Cell Mutations - 🥚 + 🧬 = 👶

  • These mutations occur in our reproductive cells (gametes).
  • If there's a mutation, it can be passed on to the offspring (like passing on a secret recipe).
    • Good News: Occasionally, the mutation gives the baby a superpower (advantage). 🦸‍♂️
    • Bad News: Most of the time, it might cause a genetic disease (like inheriting a broken toy).
    • Pro Tip: So, we want to keep the number of mutations in our gametes low! Especially in the gonads (the fancy word for ovaries and testes).

Somatic Cell Mutations - 💅 + 🧬

  • These mutations happen in our body cells.
  • Once the person passes away, the mutation goes with them (like a personal secret). It won't be passed down.
  • If a cell messes up because of a mutation, it's generally okay because it can be replaced (think of a Lego piece).

Wait! Hold up! There's a plot twist... 🌪

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟