DNA Mutations

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What is a DNA mutation?

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A DNA mutation is a change in the nucleotide sequence of an organism's DNA, which can lead to changes in the structure and function of proteins.

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What are the main types of DNA mutations?

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The main types of DNA mutations are substitution, insertion, deletion, and frameshift mutations.

Front

What is a substitution mutation?

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A substitution mutation occurs when one nucleotide in the DNA sequence is replaced by another nucleotide.

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What is an insertion mutation?

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An insertion mutation occurs when one or more nucleotides are added to the DNA sequence.

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What is a deletion mutation?

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A deletion mutation occurs when one or more nucleotides are removed from the DNA sequence.

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What is a frameshift mutation?

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A frameshift mutation occurs when nucleotides are added or deleted from the DNA sequence, causing a shift in the reading frame of the genetic code.

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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 an example of a substitution mutation?

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An example of a substitution mutation is changing the DNA sequence from ATG to ACG, which may change the corresponding amino acid.

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How can mutations affect protein function?

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Mutations can affect protein function by altering the amino acid sequence, potentially leading to a nonfunctional protein or a protein with altered activity.

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What is the significance of mutations in evolution?

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Mutations are a source of genetic variation, which is essential for evolution as they can lead to new traits that may be beneficial for survival.