What is the Difference Between Frameshift Mutation and Base Substitution Mutation?

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The main difference between a frameshift mutation and a base substitution mutation lies in the nature of the changes they cause in the DNA sequence. Here is a comparison of the two types of mutations:

Frameshift Mutation:

  • Occurs when there is an insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotide bases in the DNA sequence.
  • Causes a shift in the reading frame of the gene, resulting in the expression of incorrect proteins.
  • Can lead to changes in mRNA and eventually affect the final gene product.

Base Substitution Mutation:

  • Involves the exchange of one base for another in the DNA sequence.
  • Can be classified into different types, such as transition (purine for purine or pyrimidine for pyrimidine) and transversion (purine for pyrimidine or vice versa).
  • May cause a change in one amino acid in the protein (missense mutation), no change in the protein (silent mutation), or the introduction of a stop codon, leading to an incomplete protein (nonsense mutation).

In summary, frameshift mutations result from insertions or deletions of nucleotide bases, causing a shift in the reading frame, while base substitution mutations involve the exchange of one base for another, potentially leading to changes in the protein sequence.

Comparative Table: Frameshift Mutation vs Base Substitution Mutation

Here is a table comparing the differences between frameshift mutations and base substitution mutations:

Feature Frameshift Mutation Base Substitution Mutation
Type of Mutation Insertions or deletions of nucleotides Exchange of one base for another
Effect on Reading Frame Changes the reading frame of the gene Does not change the reading frame of the gene
Effect on Protein Expression Results in the expression of incorrect proteins May or may not result in incorrect proteins, can be silent, missense, or nonsense mutation
Caused by Insertions or deletions of nucleotides that are not a multiple of three Exchange of one base pair
Consequence Every amino acid after the point of the mutation is affected, often resulting in nonfunctional proteins Consequences depend on the specific base substitution, may have no effect or result in a change in one amino acid, Stop codon, or no effect