Understanding DNA Mutations

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What is a mutation?

Back

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can affect how genes function.

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What are the two main types of mutations?

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The two main types of mutations are gene mutations (affecting a single gene) and chromosomal mutations (affecting whole chromosomes).

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 a protein.

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What is a missense mutation?

Back

A missense mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that results in the substitution of one amino acid for another in a protein.

Front

What is a nonsense mutation?

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A nonsense mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that creates a premature stop codon, leading to a truncated protein.

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What is a frameshift mutation?

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

Front

What is the effect of mutations on protein function?

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Mutations can affect the shape and function of proteins, potentially altering their activity or stability.

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What is a beneficial mutation?

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A beneficial mutation is a change in the DNA that increases an organism's chances of survival and reproduction.

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What is a harmful mutation?

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A harmful mutation is a change in the DNA that decreases an organism's chances of survival or leads to disease.

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What is a substitution mutation?

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