Can Point Mutations Cause Frameshifts?
No, the point mutations do not often result in frameshifts. Both types of mutations are different. In point mutations, changes in a single nucleotide of a base pair occur in a DNA sequence. These may be of different types such as substitutions (replacing one nitrogenous base with another), insertions (addition of an extra base pair), and deletions (removal of a base pair).
Here are some differences between point mutation and frameshift mutation:
| Feature | Point Mutation | Frameshift Mutation |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Change in a single nucleotide of a DNA sequence. | Involves the insertion or deletion of nucleotides in a DNA sequence. |
| Causes | This can result from substitutions (replacement of a base by another). | Typically caused by insertions or deletions (INDELs) of nucleotides. |
| Affects | Typically affects only a single codon in the DNA sequence. | Disrupts the reading frame of the genetic code during translation. |
| Amino Acid Sequence | May alter the amino acid sequence of a protein, but may not necessarily cause a frameshift. | Results in a change in the sequence of amino acids being produced in the protein due to a shift in the reading frame. |
| Types | Includes transitions (purine to purine or pyrimidine to pyrimidine) and transversions (purine to pyrimidine and vice versa). | Often occurs due to INDELs of nucleotides in multiples other than three. |
| Effects | May affect the structure and function of the resulting protein. | Can significantly alter the structure and function of the resulting protein, often leading to the formation of dysfunctional proteins. |
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