Problem 16 Explain how a single-base mutati... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 12: Problem 16

Explain how a single-base mutation can encode a protein that is missing many amino acids.

Short Answer

Expert verified

A single-base mutation, either an insertion or deletion, can cause a frameshift mutation. This will shift the reading frame, altering the sequence of codons, and possibly generating a premature stop codon. If protein synthesis is stopped prematurely due to this stop codon, an incomplete protein missing many amino acids will be formed.

Step by step solution

Understanding the Basics of Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis begins in the nucleus of cells where the DNA code for a specific protein is transcribed into mRNA. Afterwards, this mRNA leaves the nucleus and goes into the cytoplasm to the ribosomes where translation, the process of transforming the mRNA sequence into a chain of amino acids to form a protein, occurs using tRNA.

Understanding the Concept of Mutations

Mutations are alterations that occur in the sequence of bases in DNA. They can happen spontaneously or as a result of exposure to specific environmental factors. A single-base mutation involves the change of only one base in the DNA sequence. Examples of single-base mutations are substitution mutations (where one base is replaced with another), deletion mutations (where a base is removed), and insertion mutations (where an extra base is inserted into the DNA sequence). All these mutations can potentially influence how proteins are synthesized.

Understanding Frameshift Mutations

A single-base mutation that is either an insertion or deletion can lead to what is known as a frameshift mutation. This happens because the genetic code is read in groups of three bases (codons) during translation, and either removing one base (deletion) or adding an extra one (insertion) shifts the way these groups of three are read. As a result, all the codons after the mutation site change and subsequently the amino acids they code for.

Annotating Effect of Frameshift Mutations on Proteins

When a frameshift mutation occurs, it can lead to the generation of a stop codon (a codon that signals for the ending of protein synthesis) too soon in the sequence. Therefore, the translation process may be stopped prematurely, causing an incomplete protein to be formed that is missing many amino acids. Hence, a single-base mutation can encode a protein that is missing many amino acids.

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91影视

Explain how a single-base mutation can encode a protein that is missing many amino acids.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding the Basics of Protein Synthesis

Understanding the Concept of Mutations

Understanding Frameshift Mutations

Annotating Effect of Frameshift Mutations on Proteins

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