Frameshift mutations

Frameshift mutations are a type of genetic mutation that involves the insertion or deletion of a nucleotide in the DNA sequence. This type of mutation can have significant effects on the protein produced by the gene in which the mutation occurs.

Overview

A frameshift mutation occurs when the number of nucleotides inserted or deleted is not a multiple of three. Because a set of three nucleotides, known as a codon, codes for a single amino acid, the insertion or deletion can disrupt the reading frame, or the grouping of the codons. This can result in a completely different translation from the original, or it can cause premature termination of protein synthesis.

Causes

Frameshift mutations can be caused by a variety of factors, including DNA replication errors, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, and certain viral infections. They can also occur as a result of DNA repair mechanisms failing to correct these errors.

Effects

The effects of frameshift mutations can vary greatly depending on the specific mutation and where it occurs in the DNA sequence. In some cases, the mutation can result in a nonfunctional protein, while in others it can produce a protein with a completely different function. In some cases, frameshift mutations can lead to diseases such as cancer or genetic disorders.

See also

• Point mutation
• Nonsense mutation
• Missense mutation
• Silent mutation

References

Frameshift mutations Resources
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