The Human Genome Project is a multinational project that reported complete identification of more than 20,000 genes in human DNA. Growing understanding has associated "normal" and naturally variable versions of the genes, producing specific proteins for human health and cell functions. Numerous mutated versions of the genes have been associated with particular human health problems and disease, due to the types of cells where mutations occur, the specific genes affected, and the type and extent of mutation. In these cases, the structure and function of proteins is ultimately impacted. Examine these examples to apply your knowledge of mutations to the descriptions provided.
-Keratins are structural proteins in skin,hair,and fingernails.One gene,called KRT10,is located on the 17th paired chromosome in humans.It produces a keratin that strengthens skin cells.Researchers have identified several mutations that can lead to rough,damaged,blistering skin because the keratins are not as strong as normal.Each mutation changes a specific amino acid at a particular location in the protein,and so is an example of a(n)______ mutation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Missense mutations change a specific amino acid in the protein, which can affect the structure and function of the protein. In the case of the KRT10 gene, mutations that result in weaker keratins would be examples of missense mutations. Duplication, nonsense, insertion, and frameshift mutations would involve different types of alterations to the DNA sequence that could have different effects on the resulting protein.

The Human Genome Project Is a Multinational Project That Reported