Question

A mutation is defined as any change that occurs to the DNA of a cell. In the space below demonstrate your understanding of protein synthesis by explaining the chain of events that could potentially follow a mutation and why such mutations can be problematic for a cell or the organism those cells make up. Be as complete and clear as you can with your response. Key terms to consider include: nucleotides, nitrogen bases, messenger RNA, codons, anticodons, amino acids and protein​

Answer 1

A DNA molecule isn't just a long, boring string of nucleotides. Instead, it's divided up into functional units called genes. Each gene provides instructions for a functional product, that is, a molecule needed to perform a job in the cell. In many cases, the functional product of a gene is a protein. For example, Mendel's flower color gene provides instructions for a protein that helps make colored molecules (pigments) in flower petals.

The functional products of most known genes are proteins, or, more accurately, polypeptides. Polypeptide is just another word for a chain of amino acids. Although many proteins consist of a single polypeptide, some are made up of multiple polypeptides. Genes that specify polypeptides are called protein-coding genes.