DNA Mutations

Front

What is a DNA mutation?

Back

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.

Front

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 is a type of mutation where one nucleotide is replaced by another, potentially altering the amino acid sequence of a protein.

Front

What is an insertion mutation?

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An insertion mutation occurs when one or more nucleotides are added to the DNA sequence, which can shift the reading frame of the codons.

Front

What is a deletion mutation?

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

Front

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 a completely different protein.

Front

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 protein due to the redundancy of the genetic code.

Front

Why are frameshift mutations likely to cause greater disruption than point mutations?

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Frameshift mutations alter the entire downstream amino acid sequence, while point mutations only change one amino acid, making frameshifts more disruptive.

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What is the significance of the first two bases in a codon?

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The first two bases of a codon are crucial for determining the amino acid it codes for, while the third base can often vary without changing the amino acid.

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Are all mutations harmful?

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No, not all mutations are harmful; some can be neutral or even beneficial, contributing to genetic diversity.