Answer to Question #161581 in Molecular Biology for Virat

Question

4. A woman who has had rubella (a viral infectious disease) has a deaf child. What type of mutation are we talking about? Explain.

Answer 1

Rubella, commonly referred to as German Measles is caused by a rubella virus. It manifests itself through mild symptoms, but its extreme effects are deafness to the unborn child if the mother contracts the disease during pregnancy. Rubella occurs due to chromosomal mutation because it causes sporadic cell division, which leads to swelling of the brain. As a result, the feotus develops congenital hearing impairment.