Skip to main content
Toggle User Menu

HHMI BioInteractive

  • Español
  • Search
  • Log In/Create Account
  • Classroom Resources
  • Planning Tools
  • Professional Development
  • About Us

DNA Damage and Mutations

Topic
  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
  • DNA & RNA
  • Genetics
  • Genetic Disease
  • Mutations
Resource Type
  • Videos
  • Animations
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Duration
00:01:07
Favorited By
13 Users
Share This
Description

This animation shows how mutations can arise when DNA is damaged.

DNA can be damaged by radiation and reactive molecules, such as free radicals. As discussed in the animation, this damage may create mutations by chemically changing the DNA. Most mutations are corrected by DNA repair processes in the cell. In rare cases, however, mutations can accumulate and cause genetic diseases such as cancer.

Depending on students’ background, it may be helpful to pause the animation at various points to discuss different structures or molecules.

Details
Key Terms

cancer, DNA repair, free radical, mutagen, nucleic acid, ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Terms of Use

The resource is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license. No rights are granted to use HHMI’s or BioInteractive’s names or logos independent from this Resource or in any derivative works.

Version History
Date Published 02.05.03
Materials
Large (MOV) 10 MB
Large (WMV) 10 MB
Small (MOV) 3 MB
Small (WMV) 3 MB
Transcript (PDF) 11 KB
Related Science News
Forest Fires Are Setting Chernobyl’s Radiation Free

Explore Related Content

Other Resources About Cancer
Showing of
3D Models
BCR-ABL
3D Models
Gleevec-Resistant BCR-ABL
3D Models
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
3D Models
Gleevec (Imatinib)
3D Models
Dasatinib
Card Activities
Classifying Cancer Genes and Examining Patient Data
Click & Learn
BCR-ABL: Protein Structure and Function
Illustration of the phases of the cell cycle
Click & Learn
The Eukaryotic Cell Cycle and Cancer
Data Points
Efficacy of a Medication for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Data Points
Cell Division and Cancer Risk
Other Related Resources
Showing of
Animations
Sickle Cell Disease
Animations
Mismatch Repair
Data Points
Cell Division and Cancer Risk
Clips
Mutations in Cancer
Animations
Trinucleotide Repeat
Card Activities
“Fixing” Gene Expression
Click & Learn
The p53 Gene and Cancer
Click & Learn
CRISPR-Cas9 Mechanism & Applications
Click & Learn
Central Dogma and Genetic Medicine
Animations
Natural Selection for Lactose Tolerance

HHMI BioInteractive

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Newsletter Signup
  • HHMI.org
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy