While characterizing an error-prone organism, researchers found that each of the following types of mutations occurred immediately downstream of the translation start site. Which type of mutation is likely to have the most serious effect on the function of the polypeptide product?
A) a deletion of a codon
B) a deletion of two nucleotides
C) a substitution of the third nucleotide in an ACC codon
D) a substitution of the first nucleotide of a GGG codon

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A deletion of two nucleotides causes a frameshift mutation, altering the reading frame of the mRNA and potentially changing every amino acid encoded downstream. This can severely impact the structure and function of the resulting polypeptide, often more drastically than the other listed mutations.

While Characterizing an Error-Prone Organism, Researchers Found That Each of the Following