Mutations

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A mutation is defined as a change in the DNA sequence.

Front

What are the two main types of mutations?

Back

The two main types of mutations are point mutations and frameshift mutations.

Front

What is a point mutation?

Back

A point mutation is a change in a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence.

Front

What is a frameshift mutation?

Back

A frameshift mutation occurs when nucleotides are inserted or deleted from the DNA sequence, altering the reading frame.

Front

What is deletion in the context of mutations?

Back

Deletion is a type of mutation where one or more nucleotides are removed from the DNA sequence.

Front

What is insertion in the context of mutations?

Back

Insertion is a type of mutation where one or more nucleotides are added to the DNA sequence.

Front

What is an inversion mutation?

Back

An inversion mutation occurs when a segment of DNA is reversed within the chromosome.

Front

Why are frameshift mutations particularly harmful?

Back

Frameshift mutations change all of the codons from the mutation on down the line, which alters the amino acid sequence.

Front

What is a gene?

Back

A gene is a segment of DNA that encodes for a protein.

Front

What is the role of codons in protein synthesis?

Back

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides that correspond to specific amino acids in protein synthesis.