Question

At low frequencies during DNA replication, an extra nucleotide maybe inserted into the DNA strand. If this occurs within a gene, what would be the effect on the protein product

Answer 1

Answer:

1. It could result in a loss of function of the protein product

2. It could result in a protein product with excessive activity

3. It could result in altered structure of the protein

Explanation:

Any changes that occur in the nucleotide sequence in the DNA of an organism is known as a mutation. Various forms of mutation can occur in the DNA sequence of an organism which could be as a result of insertion or deletion of a nucleotide in the DNA sequence.

Insertion of an extra nucleotide into a DNA strand within a gene could have any of the following effects on the protein protein;

1. It could result in a loss of function of the protein product of the gene whereby the protein can no longer carry out its normal functions

2. It could result in a protein product with excessive activity other the normal range at which it functions.

3. It could result in altered structure of the protein either in the primary, secondary, tertiary, or quaternary structure