Frameshift mutation

Definition

A frameshift mutation is a genetic mutation caused by insertions or deletions of nucleotides in DNA that are not in multiples of three, disrupting the reading frame during translation. This often results in significant changes to the amino acid sequence and can lead to nonfunctional proteins.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Frameshift mutations often result from insertion or deletion events.
2. They alter the triplet codon reading frame, leading to different amino acids being incorporated into a protein.
3. Such mutations typically result in a premature stop codon, truncating the protein.
4. Frameshift mutations can have more severe effects than point mutations due to their impact on downstream sequences.
5. They are commonly associated with genetic diseases and disorders because they usually produce dysfunctional proteins.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes a frameshift mutation from other types of mutations?
• How does a frameshift mutation affect the protein synthesis process?
• Why are frameshift mutations generally more harmful than point mutations?

Related terms

Point Mutation:

A genetic alteration where a single nucleotide base is changed, inserted, or deleted.

Codon:

A sequence of three nucleotides that together form a unit of genetic code in a DNA or RNA molecule.

Nonsense Mutation:

A mutation that converts an amino acid coding codon into a stop codon, leading to premature termination of translation.