Question

A frameshift mutation that occurs very early in a protein sequence would have what effect on the protein's structure? A. The primary structure would be altered, but secondary and tertiary structures would remain unchanged. B. The primary structure would remain unchanged, but the secondary and tertiary structures would be altered. C. Primary, secondary, and tertiary structures would be altered. D. Protein structure would remain unchanged.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Primary, secondary, and tertiary structures would be altered

Explanation:

Frameshift mutations refer to the mutations that change the reading frame of the gene. Frameshift mutations are mostly caused by insertion or deletion of nucleotide since addition or loss of nucleotide alters all the codons present downstream of the point of the mutation site. If frameshift mutation occurs at the beginning of the protein sequence, all the downstream amino acids would be altered.

The changed amino acid sequence would alter the primary structure of the protein. Since the secondary and tertiary structure of proteins is determined by interactions between the R groups of amino acids, their polarity, charge, etc., the altered amino acid sequence would also alter secondary, and tertiary of the protein.