Multiple Choice
Which of the following would be the most immediate result of a gene mutation in an organism?
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15. Gene Expression
Mutations
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What is the effect of a nonsense mutation in a gene?
A
It leads to the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, shifting the reading frame.
B
It has no effect on the protein and is considered silent.
C
It results in a premature stop codon, leading to a truncated protein.
D
It causes a change in a single amino acid, altering the protein's function.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand what a nonsense mutation is: A nonsense mutation is a type of point mutation in a DNA sequence that results in a premature stop codon.
Recognize the impact of a premature stop codon: When a stop codon appears prematurely in the mRNA sequence, it signals the termination of protein synthesis.
Consider the consequences of early termination: The resulting protein is truncated, meaning it is shorter than the normal protein, which can lead to loss of function or a nonfunctional protein.
Differentiate from other mutations: Unlike missense mutations, which change a single amino acid, or frameshift mutations, which involve insertions or deletions, nonsense mutations specifically introduce a stop codon.
Conclude the effect: The primary effect of a nonsense mutation is the production of a truncated protein due to the early stop codon, which can significantly affect the protein's function.
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