What term describes insertions and deletions that shift the reading frame?

What term describes insertions and deletions that shift the reading frame?

• A. Frameshift mutation
• B. Point mutation
• C. Mutagen
• D. Genome

Answer: (A)

Reading the genetic code is read in three-nucleotide units called codons, so inserting or deleting a single nucleotide changes every downstream codon. This shifts the entire reading frame and usually alters many amino acids and often introduces a premature stop, leading to a nonfunctional protein. That exact change is called a frameshift mutation. A point mutation changes only one base without shifting the downstream reading frame, a mutagen is an agent that causes mutations, and a genome refers to the entire genetic material.

Reading the genetic code is read in three-nucleotide units called codons, so inserting or deleting a single nucleotide changes every downstream codon. This shifts the entire reading frame and usually alters many amino acids and often introduces a premature stop, leading to a nonfunctional protein. That exact change is called a frameshift mutation. A point mutation changes only one base without shifting the downstream reading frame, a mutagen is an agent that causes mutations, and a genome refers to the entire genetic material.