DNA Mutations

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What is a mutation?

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A mutation is a change in the order, number, or type of bases in the genetic code.

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What is a nonsense mutation?

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A nonsense mutation is a type of substitution mutation that results in a premature stop codon, leading to incomplete protein synthesis.

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What is a substitution mutation?

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A substitution mutation is a type of mutation where one base is replaced by another in the DNA sequence.

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What is an insertion mutation?

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An insertion mutation occurs when one or more bases are added to the DNA sequence, potentially altering the reading frame.

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What is a deletion mutation?

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A deletion mutation involves the loss of one or more bases from the DNA sequence, which can also affect the reading frame.

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What is a frameshift mutation?

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A frameshift mutation is caused by insertions or deletions that change the reading frame of the genetic code, often resulting in significant changes to the protein.

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What is a silent mutation?

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A silent mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that does not alter the amino acid sequence of the resulting protein.

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What is the significance of codons in mutations?

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Codons are sequences of three nucleotides that correspond to specific amino acids; mutations can change codons, affecting protein synthesis.

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What is the difference between missense and nonsense mutations?

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A missense mutation results in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein, while a nonsense mutation creates a stop codon.

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How can mutations affect an organism?

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Mutations can lead to changes in physical traits, affect survival, and may be beneficial, harmful, or neutral.