SPEC POINT 2.12

Question 1

Explain how a mutation in DNA causes changes in protein function, such as the CF mutation:

Answer 1

1. change in sequence of bases in a gene changes the sequence of bases in the mRNA after transcription
2. this will result in a different sequence of codons in mRNA
3. different codons could change the order of amino acids in the polypeptide which could change the tertiary structure (R group interactions altered)
4. the altered shape of the protein may change how it functions