Nonsynonymous

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Nonsynonymous substitutions or nonsynonymous mutations are a type of genetic mutation that alters the amino acid sequence of a protein. These mutations can have a significant impact on the function of the protein, potentially leading to diseases or disorders.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Nonsynonymous substitutions occur when a change in the DNA sequence results in a different amino acid being incorporated into the protein during translation. This can alter the structure and function of the protein, potentially leading to a change in phenotype.

Impact on Protein Function[edit | edit source]

The impact of a nonsynonymous substitution on protein function can vary widely. Some substitutions may have little to no effect on the protein's function, while others can significantly alter the protein's structure and function. This can potentially lead to diseases or disorders.

Role in Evolution[edit | edit source]

Nonsynonymous substitutions play a key role in evolution. They are a source of genetic variation, which is the raw material for evolution. By altering the amino acid sequence of proteins, nonsynonymous substitutions can lead to new traits that can be acted upon by natural selection.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Nonsynonymous Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD