Genetic Mutations: Is Drinking Milk a Super Power?: Crash Course Biology #37

Science fiction is full of superpowered mutants, but in reality, mutations are much more diverse and complex. Sometimes, they can change someone’s entire body, and other times, we don’t notice them at all! In this episode, we’ll unpack what mutations are, how they work (including substitutions and frameshift mutations), and how scientists are learning to control mutations using tools like CRISPR/Cas9 and gene therapy.

Introduction: Mutations Outside the Movies 00:00
What Are Mutations? 1:20
What Determines Mutations' Effects? 3:10
Types of Mutations 4:16
Positive, Negative, or Neutral? 7:43
Gene Therapy & CRISPR 8:23
Pharmacogenomics 10:59
Review & Credits 11:58

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Leah H., David Fanska, Andrew Woods, DL Singfield, Ken Davidian, Stephen Akuffo, Toni Miles, Steve Segreto, Kyle & Katherine Callahan, Laurel Stevens, Burt Humburg, Perry Joyce, Scott Harrison, Mark & Susan Billian, Alan Bridgeman, Breanna Bosso, Matt Curls, Jennifer Killen, Jon Allen, Sarah & Nathan Catchings, team dorsey, Bernardo Garza, Trevin Beattie, Eric Koslow, Indija-ka Siriwardena, Jason Rostoker, Siobhán, Ken Penttinen, Nathan Taylor, Barrett & Laura Nuzum, Les Aker, William McGraw, Vaso, ClareG, Rizwan Kassim, Constance Urist, Alex Hackman, Pineapples of Solidarity, Katie Dean, Stephen McCandless, Wai Jack Sin, Ian Dundore, Caleb Weeks
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Want to find Crash Course elsewhere on the internet?

[samstromberg]

I haven’t been here in a while so I’ve only ever seen Hank Green (I think that’s his name?) do these but oh my gosh this guy is gold

[Velvetynailworld]

My kids and I watch only these biology videos. You’re such an amazing teacher and one of the more engaging ones for sure.

[mickmash]

I have hypermobile EDS, which is a mutation in how my body produces connective tissue. But there are other types that can affect other systems in the body. There's even a lot of variation in how severe hEDS is. I'd be curious to see the genetic variations between various types of EDS and the severity of EDS symptoms.

[williambilyeu]

Dr. Sammy calling for his super suit remind me a Freezone from "The Incredibles." 😊😅😂

[angiepen]

Yet another example of how awesome Dr. Sammy is. Hopefully he's already set up to do a Crash Course Entomology some time in the near future. :)

[johndillinger]

I'll take the well rested mutation if I have a choice. 😁

[Umbra-rk]

There's a character named Bone from One punch man who gets Durability from drinking a lot of milk.

[suvikhyasiingh]

we also have a gene named sonic hedgehog which is an essential part of embryonic development.

[phoenixaasted]

Dubious food from legend of Zelda 1:58

[johnm]

Crazy how our bodies cells and genes resemble a computer program, i.e data structure or algorithm.

[blaxson]

It is important to know your family medical history like parent and grand parents. The "mutations" they had are more likely to be ones you have. Knowing what they had to avoid or benefit from is good for yourself. For example there are some at risk of addiction affects so should just never start.

[asiaeve]

So interesting! Makes me miss biology lol I may take a college class in it senior year 😋🧬✨

[dreamcatcher]

Amazing !! Can you make a video explaing the MTHFR gene mutation please ? I carry 2 coppies and it has caused me a lot of problems over my life. Thank you for all your work !! ❤

[pedrostormrage]

6:22 "There's a chance that these 'silent mutations' aren't so silent at all" Yeah, a few important factors here are codon optimality (changing a codon can slow down protein production even if codes for the same aminoacid), mRNA structure (changes in the mRNA sequence affect its folding pattern, which in turn affects interaction with other proteins or how efficiently it's translated), and splicing (they can create or destroy splice sites, changing the final mRNA).

[Caterfree]

The reason I remember the ACTG letters is bc of GCAT in Homestuck lol. Useless info for me given I’m not exactly a geneticist but hey, it’s a good memory device anyway.

[hassenfepher]

Fyi. Eating ice cream from the carton while watching this. Super power!!!

[abramisme]

nice! thank you for all you do! keep it up!

[kmcsciguy]

Excellent video covering mutations and the details!

[andrew]

I’m so happy that you chose a queer black person to host this series 💕 It makes me feel welcome in STEM

[johnadams]

"Where is my supersuit?"
I've been asking that question since I was a kid.