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DNA codes for

proteins

. So, if the DNA is mutated, it directly affects the protein. Two examples of mutations are:



A point mutation. In this situation, one

base pair

(A, T, C, or G) is replaced with a different, incorrect one. When this happens and the DNA is read in order to synthesize a protein, this incorrect base pair can lead to the DNA codon (set of 3 base pairs) that codes for a different base pair than it should have. This causes the protein to have one incorrect amino acid in it. Also, this mutation does not always mutate the protein because some codons code for the same amino acid.



A frame shift mutation. This type is much worse. In this case, a base pair is just inserted in to the

DNA sequence

. When this happens, the entire sequence following it is essentially pushed over one spot. Then, each set of 3 base pairs that would code for an amino acid is shifted so that, instead, you would have something like 2 base pairs and 1 base pair from the codon next to it. This causes every single codon to mutate, which essentially leads to every amino acid being different and therefore, the entire protein being different.



I hope that made sense. Diagrams help.

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A mutation that alters a single amino acid within a protein can alter?

The structure and function of the protein, potentially leading to changes in its overall properties and interactions with other molecules. This can impact the protein's stability, activity, and ability to carry out its function effectively.


When when a mutation results in no significant change in the production of a of a functional protein?

When a mutation does not change the result of a normal production of a protein is called harmless. This is because it does no harm to the individual.


How does a somatic mutation in a gene alter the function of a cell?

A somatic mutation in a gene can alter the function of a cell by changing the instructions encoded in the gene, leading to abnormal protein production or function. This can disrupt normal cellular processes and potentially contribute to diseases like cancer.


How can a mutation in a gene affect the trait that an organism has?

A mutation in a gene can alter the functioning of the protein it codes for, leading to changes in the trait expressed by the organism. This can result in new traits, loss of function, or altered function of the protein, impacting the organism's phenotype.


How can a point mutation affect the protein created by the gene?

A point mutation can affect the protein created by a gene by changing a single nucleotide in the gene's DNA sequence. This change can alter the amino acid sequence of the protein, potentially leading to a different protein being produced. This can impact the protein's structure and function, which may result in a variety of effects on the organism.

Related Questions

How can a point mutation alter the final structure of a protein?

In a point mutation, one nitrogen base is substituted for the correct base. Since most amino acids can be coded for by more than one codon, there may be no consequence to this mutation. However, sometimes a point mutation results in an incorrect amino acid being added to the amino acid sequence of the protein. This can cause a change in the shape and therefore function of the protein, which can be a harmful mutation. Two genetic disorders caused by a point mutation are cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.


A mutation that alters a single amino acid within a protein can alter?

The structure and function of the protein, potentially leading to changes in its overall properties and interactions with other molecules. This can impact the protein's stability, activity, and ability to carry out its function effectively.


When when a mutation results in no significant change in the production of a of a functional protein?

When a mutation does not change the result of a normal production of a protein is called harmless. This is because it does no harm to the individual.


What happens when there is a letter change in DNA?

A letter change in DNA, known as a point mutation, can result in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein during translation. This can potentially alter the structure and function of the protein. Depending on the location and type of mutation, it can lead to genetic disorders, diseases, or even beneficial traits in an organism.


Which type of point mutation would be insignificant to the organism?

A silent mutation is typically insignificant to the organism. This type of point mutation occurs when a change in the DNA sequence does not alter the amino acid sequence of the resulting protein, often due to the redundancy in the genetic code. As a result, the protein's function remains unchanged, and the organism is usually unaffected by this mutation.


How does a somatic mutation in a gene alter the function of a cell?

A somatic mutation in a gene can alter the function of a cell by changing the instructions encoded in the gene, leading to abnormal protein production or function. This can disrupt normal cellular processes and potentially contribute to diseases like cancer.


How can a mutation in a gene affect the trait that an organism has?

A mutation in a gene can alter the functioning of the protein it codes for, leading to changes in the trait expressed by the organism. This can result in new traits, loss of function, or altered function of the protein, impacting the organism's phenotype.


How can a point mutation affect the protein created by the gene?

A point mutation can affect the protein created by a gene by changing a single nucleotide in the gene's DNA sequence. This change can alter the amino acid sequence of the protein, potentially leading to a different protein being produced. This can impact the protein's structure and function, which may result in a variety of effects on the organism.


What is a chromosomal mutation?

A chromosomal mutation is a change in the structure or number of a chromosome. This can involve rearrangements, deletions, duplications, or inversions of genetic material within a chromosome. These mutations can lead to genetic disorders or affect an individual's development and health.


How does a point mutation, where one nitrogenous base (nucleotide) is changed to another, impact the genetic code and protein synthesis?

A point mutation changes one nitrogenous base in the genetic code, which can alter the amino acid sequence in a protein. This can lead to a different protein being produced, affecting the function of the protein and potentially causing genetic disorders.


How a mutation during replication can affect a protein that is synthesized?

A mutation during replication can lead to changes in the DNA sequence, which can consequently result in changes in the amino acid sequence of the corresponding protein. These changes can alter the protein's structure, function, or stability, ultimately affecting its overall biological activity. Depending on the nature and location of the mutation, the protein may exhibit loss of function, gain of function, or be unaffected.


How does a frameshift mutation impact the function of a protein?

A frameshift mutation can change the reading frame of a gene, causing a shift in the way the genetic code is read. This can lead to a different sequence of amino acids being produced, which can alter the structure and function of the protein. This can result in a non-functional or dysfunctional protein being produced.