Profile on Mutations

Mutations

Neutral Mutation

Kermode Bear, Spirit Bear Mutation

The Kermode Bear is usually black but a mutation in the gene for fur colour makes the fur white, resembling a polar bear. For a Spirit Bear to be produced each parent must have the altered gene, and the bear must recieve both copies. This mutation is considered a neutral mutation because it does not decrease or increase the survival rate of the bear.

Negative Mutation

Sickle Cell Anemia

A Negative Mutation is a mutation that harms and organism or reduces the probability that organisms with the mutation can produce offspring or survival  rate of the organism. One negative mutation that occurs in humans is sickle cell anemia which is a different shaped hemoglobin. The abnormally shaped molecules cannot carry oxygen efficiently. They also impede the flow of blood, this can cause pain and organ damage because blood cannot reach the organs.

Positive Mutation 

HIV Resistance

A positive mutation is a mutation that benefits the organism. One example of a positive mutation that occurs in humans is resistance to HIV and AIDS these few individuals who have this mutation carry a mutated gene that produces the instructions for a protein that prevents HIV from infecting the person.