Question

What is frame shift mutation?

Answer 1

Frameshift mutation is a genetic mutation caused by the insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotides in a DNA sequence. Because the genetic code is read in triplets (codons), such additions or deletions shift the reading frame of these codons from the mutation point onward. This shift completely alters the amino acid sequence of the resulting protein, often leading to nonfunctional or harmful proteins. Frameshift mutations are very dangerous as they drastically change gene expression. Examples include diseases like muscular dystrophy that result from this type of mutation. They can be caused by deletion or insertion of nucleotides disrupting the normal triplet reading frame of DNA translation.