Question

Mutations are heritable changes in DNA. They are essential to the study of genetics and are
useful in many other biological fields. How are mutations used to help in understanding basic
biological processes?
What is the SOS system and how does it lead to an increase in mutations?
What is the purpose of the Ames test? How are his- bacteria used in this test?

Answer 1

All the biological process regulation takes place with the help of protein molecules. These protein molecules synthesised through process of translation and translation depends upon amino acid sequences. These amino acid molecule reprsents the nucleotide codon. Mutation in these nucleotide sequences will result in protein structure modification.After that overall biological process gets affected. Mutation will change the nucleiotide deletion or insertion,because that the reading frame shift will occur.

SOS system helps in DNA repair and it brings the mutagenesis. It means when DNA repair will occur then addition or removal of nucleotide will takes place.

Ames Test used to test the mutagenic potential of chemicals on bacterial strains.In this test bacterial strain will be treated with chemical.

His-Bacteria will able to produce his, which essential for survival of bacteria. In the absence of histidine the affect of chemical can't determine.