It was concluded that hot rock from the mantle was rising up through the lithosphere and pushing the sea floorâand the continents on either sideâapart. This finding provided the mechanism to explain the purposeful movement of Earthâs plates and led to the development of the first theory of plate tectonics. Today Cooper is among a new generation of geologists who study what could be called âpostâ plate tectonics. Taking the field up a notch, she investigates similar processes on other planets and asks why Earth has plate tectonics in the first place.
Many mutations have no effect at all. These are called silent mutations. But the mutations we hear about most often are the ones that cause disease. Some well-known inherited genetic disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, phenylketonuria and color-blindness, among many others.All of these disorders are caused by the mutation of a single gene.Most inherited genetic diseases are recessive, which means that a person must inherit two copies of the mutated gene to inherit a disorder.any mutations have no effect at all. These are called silent mutations. But the mutations we hear about most often are the ones that cause disease. Some well-known inherited genetic disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, phenylketonuria and color-blindness, among many others.
Genetic mutations. Genetic mutations occur when DNA changes, altering the genetic instructions. This may result in a genetic disorder or a change in characteristics. Mutations can be caused by exposure to specific chemicals or radiation. For example, cigarette smoke is full of chemicals that attack and damage DNA. This causes mutations in lung cell genes, including the ones that control growth.