Genetic Mutations

A mutation is a change in the genetic material that controls heredity. The genetic material is contained in chromosomes, which are divided into genes. Point mutations involve single genes and occur by substitution and insertion or deletion of a single base in DNA. Insertions or deletions, referred to as frameshift mutations, shift the reading of the code by one or more bases so that all amino acids produced after the addition or deletion are affected. …

…mutations to have little effect. The series of complex biochemical processes through which the genetic information within mRNA is converted into protein is called translation. Point mutations involve single genes and occur by substitution, and insertion or deletion of a single base in DNA. The latter, referred to as frame-shift mutations, shift the reading of the code by one or more bases so that all amino acids produced after the insertion or deletion are affected.