Mutations (2.17)

Question 1

Give the definition of a mutation

Answer 1

A change in arrangement of bases in an individual gene or in the structure of the chromosome

Question 2

Explain why accurate DNA replication is important for protein synthesis

Answer 2

In order to preserve genetic identity and to prevent the build of mutated DNA which could have effects on the body.

Question 3

Explain the impact of a silent mutation on protein structure

Answer 3

A silent mutation is one that causes little change to the whole amino acid, meaning that the protein will remain active and functional

Question 4

Explain the impact of a missense mutation on protein structure

Answer 4

Missense mutations can affect DNA-transcription factors resulting in altering the expression of the corresponding protein. Altering the wild-type protein expression in the compartment where it is designed to function will disrupt the normal cell cycle and in turn may cause diseases

Question 5

Explain the impact of a nonsense mutation on protein structure

Answer 5

Thus, nonsense mutations occur when a premature nonsense or stop codon is introduced in the DNA sequence. When the mutated sequence is translated into a protein, the resulting protein is incomplete and shorter than normal. Consequently, most nonsense mutations result in nonfunctional proteins

Question 6

Explain the impact of a frameshift mutation on protein structure

Answer 6

f a mutation disrupts this normal reading frame, then the entire gene sequence following the mutation will be incorrectly read. This can result in the addition of the wrong amino acids to the protein and/or the creation of a codon that stops the protein from growing longer