Mutations and Codons

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in the structure and function of proteins.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

Front

What is the start codon?

Back

The start codon is AUG, which codes for the amino acid Methionine and signals the beginning of protein synthesis.

Front

What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

Back

mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

Front

What is the relationship between codons and amino acids?

Back

Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.

Front

What is a stop codon?

Back

A stop codon is a codon that signals the termination of protein synthesis; examples include UAA, UAG, and UGA.

Front

What is the significance of the genetic code?

Back

The genetic code is universal and determines how sequences of nucleotides are translated into proteins.

Front

What is a silent mutation?

Back

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

Front

What is a frameshift mutation?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between a point mutation and a frameshift mutation?

Back

A point mutation involves a change in a single nucleotide, while a frameshift mutation involves the addition or deletion of nucleotides.