A point mutation can be completely harmless, or it can result in the death of a cell or organism. Explain why these types of mutations can have such varying effects

What will be an ideal response?


A point mutation is a single base change in the nucleotide sequence of a cell's genome. The effects of a point mutation can depend on its location. Point mutations in noncoding regions of the genome are usually harmless. Even in coding regions, point mutations can be harmless if they result in silent mutations. Silent mutations preserve the sense of the amino acid code because of the concept of "wobble," in which two codons can code for the same amino acid by varying only at the third base of the codon. If the point mutation has occurred at this third base, then the amino acid sequence of the protein will remain unchanged. Point mutations occurring at the first or second base of the codon are almost always much more serious because they change the codon to a completely different amino acid. This type of point mutation is known as a missense mutation. Occasionally, changes in the first or second base are still silent, in the case of amino acids specified by several codons (e.g. CGG and AGG both code for Arginine). (Another exception to this occurs when the new amino acid is chemically similar to the previous amino acid, in which case the missense mutation usually causes little or no change in the overall structure or function of the protein.) Finally, one of the most serious types of point mutations is a nonsense mutation in which the codon has been changed to a stop codon. These types of mutations result in the abnormal termination of a protein sequence. In all such cases, if the protein affected by the mutation is an enzyme or some other vital protein required for proper cellular function, then the cell and/or organism may die as a result of these relatively simple mutations.
Bloom's Taxonomy: Analysis
Section: Mutations of Genes
Learning Outcome: 7.20, 7.21

Biology & Microbiology

You might also like to view...

All of the following characteristics describe glycoproteins EXCEPT ____

a. Glycoproteins provide support and protection. b. Glycoproteins are the main component of the extracellular matrix. c. Glycoproteins include collagen and fibronectins d. Glycoproteins are produced only on free ribosomes in the cytoplasm. e. Glycoproteins are found in tendons, cartilage, and bone.

Biology & Microbiology

A renal ______ delivers blood to the kidney for filtration

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Biology & Microbiology

Asthma is caused by 

A. contraction of the bronchioles. B. reduced number of alveoli. C. lack of hemoglobin in the blood. D. reduced flow of blood to the lungs.

Biology & Microbiology

Interbreeding two different species of lovebirds produces offspring unable to build a nest after they mature because they lack the innate knowledge needed to carry the nesting materials. The hybrid offspring do not reproduce, and this limits genetic

mixing of the two species. This is an example of: A) gametic inviability. B) behavioral isolation. C) hybrid infertility. D) sympatric speciation.

Biology & Microbiology