1. Are mutatons in somatic cells or germ-line cells more dangerous?

1. Are mutatons in somatic cells or germ-line cells more dangerous? Germ-line cell mutations are far more dangerous, since they are passed on to every cell of offspring. 2. What is the difference between the two MAJOR classes of mutations? Two major classes of mutations are: (1) Harmful and (2) Beneficial. The vast majority of mutations are harmful, because they result in defective protein products, which are physiologically dysfunctional. Very rarely, a mutation will result in an improvement in adaptive fitness or reproductive potential, in which case the mutation is beneficial. 3. Mutagens are defined as any substance that damages DNA and could potentially lead to cancer. other than those listed in your book find examples of specific mutagens that have been linked to cancer. Carcinogenic mutagens include: (1) Ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays and alpha particles; (2) ultraviolet (UV) light; (3) base analogs, which can substitute for DNA bases, causing copying errors and other damage; (4) deaminating agents, such as nitrous acid; (5) intercalating agents, such as Ethidium bromide; (6) alkylating agents, such as Ethylnitrosourea; (7) transposons, sections of DNA that undergo autonomous fragment relocation and multiplication; (8) some natural plant alkaloids, such as those from Vinca species; (9) bromine and some bromine compounds; (10) sodium azide; and (11) psoralen (when combined with UV radiation).

mitotic for somatic, meiosis for germ cells