Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

Translation: Protein Synthesis

GOB Chemistry

26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

Translation: Protein Synthesis

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1:31 minutes

Problem 61

Textbook Question

What is the effect of a deletion mutation on the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of a deletion mutation: A deletion mutation occurs when one or more nucleotides are removed from the DNA sequence. This can alter the reading frame of the genetic code if the number of nucleotides deleted is not a multiple of three, leading to a frameshift mutation.

Recall the relationship between DNA, mRNA, and amino acids: DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into a sequence of amino acids. Each group of three nucleotides (codon) in the mRNA corresponds to a specific amino acid.

Determine the impact of a frameshift mutation: If the deletion causes a frameshift, the reading frame of the codons will shift, potentially altering every amino acid encoded downstream of the mutation. This can result in a completely different polypeptide sequence or a premature stop codon.

Consider the case of a deletion in multiples of three: If the number of nucleotides deleted is a multiple of three, the reading frame is preserved. However, the polypeptide will be missing one or more amino acids corresponding to the deleted codons.

Conclude the overall effect: A deletion mutation can significantly alter the structure and function of the resulting polypeptide, depending on whether it causes a frameshift or simply removes specific amino acids.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Deletion Mutation

A deletion mutation occurs when one or more nucleotides are removed from the DNA sequence. This alteration can disrupt the reading frame of the genetic code, leading to significant changes in the resulting polypeptide. Depending on the location and extent of the deletion, it can result in a truncated protein or a completely different amino acid sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence

The amino acid sequence of a polypeptide is determined by the sequence of nucleotides in the corresponding gene. Each set of three nucleotides, known as a codon, codes for a specific amino acid. Changes in the nucleotide sequence, such as those caused by deletion mutations, can lead to alterations in the amino acid sequence, potentially affecting the protein's structure and function.

Reading Frame

The reading frame refers to the way nucleotides in a DNA or RNA sequence are grouped into codons during translation. A deletion mutation can shift the reading frame, causing all subsequent codons to be read incorrectly. This shift can lead to the incorporation of incorrect amino acids, premature stop codons, or a completely nonfunctional protein, highlighting the critical nature of maintaining the correct reading frame.