DNA Mutations

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What is a DNA mutation?

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A DNA mutation is a change in the nucleotide sequence of an organism's DNA, which can lead to changes in the structure and function of proteins.

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What are the main types of DNA mutations?

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The main types of DNA mutations are substitutions, insertions, deletions, and duplications.

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What is an insertion mutation?

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An insertion mutation occurs when one or more nucleotide bases are added to the DNA sequence, potentially altering the reading frame.

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What is a deletion mutation?

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A deletion mutation occurs when one or more nucleotide bases are removed from the DNA sequence, which can also alter the reading frame.

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What is a frameshift mutation?

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A frameshift mutation is caused by insertions or deletions that change the reading frame of the genetic code, potentially leading to significant changes in the resulting protein.

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What is a codon?

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A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or stop signal during protein synthesis.

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What is a nonsense mutation?

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A nonsense mutation is a type of substitution mutation that results in a premature stop codon, leading to a truncated protein.

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What is a missense mutation?

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A missense mutation is a type of substitution mutation that results in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein, which may affect its function.

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What is a silent mutation?

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A silent mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that does not alter the amino acid sequence of the protein, often due to the redundancy of the genetic code.

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What are mutagens?

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Mutagens are agents that cause mutations in DNA, including chemicals, radiation, and certain biological factors.