What is the Difference Between Back Mutation and Suppressor Mutation?

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Back mutation and suppressor mutation are two types of mutations that reverse the effect of primary mutations. Here are the main differences between them:

  • Back Mutation: This type of mutation restores the original wild-type nucleotide sequence of the gene. It occurs at the same site in the gene as the original mutation, effectively reversing the change that caused the mutant phenotype.
  • Suppressor Mutation: This type of mutation does not restore the original wild-type sequence. Instead, it corrects the effect of the primary mutation by producing the product of the mutated gene. Suppressor mutations can occur at distinct sites in the same gene as the original mutation or even on different genes or chromosomes.

In summary, the key difference between back mutation and suppressor mutation is that the former reverses the mutation to the normal wild-type sequence, while the latter suppresses the primary mutation by producing the protein product that was blocked due to the original mutation.

Comparative Table: Back Mutation vs Suppressor Mutation

Here is a table comparing back mutation and suppressor mutation:

Feature Back Mutation Suppressor Mutation
Definition A point mutation that restores the original sequence. A second mutation that either suppresses the effect of the first mutation or produces a compensatory effect.
Type True reverse mutation. Not a true reverse mutation; it only masks the effect of the first mutation while the gene holds the first mutation.
Effect on Phenotype Restores the true wild type. Only masks the effect of the first mutation.
Revertants Organisms that have undergone back mutation are known as revertants. Organisms that have undergone suppressor mutation are not revertants.
Subtypes Intragenic and extragenic mutations. Intragenic and extragenic mutations.

Back mutation is a point mutation that restores the original sequence, while suppressor mutation is a second mutation that either suppresses the effect of the first mutation or produces a compensatory effect. Back mutation restores the true wild type, whereas suppressor mutation only masks the effect of the first mutation.