FRAMESHIFT MUTATIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Frameshift mutations are gene mutations that occur when the nucleotides of a DNA or RNA strand are either inserted or deleted, resulting in a shift in the reading frame of the genetic code. This alteration in the genetic sequence leads to a different arrangement of codons, which causes the formation of a completely different protein than what would have been produced without the mutation.
Frameshift mutations can have significant consequences, as they typically disrupt the correct translation of the genetic code and can lead to the synthesis of an abnormal protein product. This alteration in protein structure may result in a range of functional abnormalities or disturbances, including loss of protein function, altered protein folding, or complete protein non-functionality.
There are two types of frameshift mutations: insertions and deletions. Insertions occur when an additional nucleotide (base) is added to the DNA or RNA sequence, while deletions happen when a nucleotide is removed. Both types of mutations cause a shift in the open reading frame, as the sequence is no longer read in triplets of nucleotides.
Frameshift mutations can occur spontaneously during DNA replication or as a result of exposure to mutagens. Their severity typically depends on the size of the insertion or deletion and where it occurs within the gene. In certain cases, frameshift mutations can lead to genetic disorders or greater susceptibility to certain diseases.
Common Misspellings for FRAMESHIFT MUTATIONS
- drameshift mutations
- crameshift mutations
- vrameshift mutations
- grameshift mutations
- trameshift mutations
- rrameshift mutations
- feameshift mutations
- fdameshift mutations
- ffameshift mutations
- ftameshift mutations
- f5ameshift mutations
- f4ameshift mutations
- frzmeshift mutations
- frsmeshift mutations
- frwmeshift mutations
- frqmeshift mutations
- franeshift mutations
- frakeshift mutations
- frajeshift mutations
- framwshift mutations
Etymology of FRAMESHIFT MUTATIONS
The etymology of the term "frameshift mutations" can be broken down as follows:
1. Frame: This term originates from the Old English word "fram", meaning to construct or shape something. In the context of genetics, a "frame" refers to a specific reading frame in DNA or RNA sequences, which is a set of three bases that determines the grouping of codons during translation.
2. Shift: This word comes from the Old English word "sciftan", meaning to arrange or change. In molecular genetics, a "shift" refers to an alteration in the way codons are read during translation due to the insertion or deletion of nucleotide(s) in a DNA or RNA sequence.
3. Mutations: Derived from the Latin term "mutare", which means to change, "mutations" refer to changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in the genetic information.
