What is the Difference Between Frameshift Mutation and Point Mutation?

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The main difference between a frameshift mutation and a point mutation lies in the nature of the change in the DNA sequence:

  1. Frameshift Mutation:
  • Involves the insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotides in the DNA sequence.
  • Changes the reading frame of the DNA sequence, which can lead to alterations in the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein.
  • Results in a shift in the reading frame, potentially causing changes to all codons that follow the mutation.
  • Can have more significant effects on the final protein product compared to point mutations.
  • Examples of diseases caused by frameshift mutations include cystic fibrosis and Crohn's disease.
  1. Point Mutation:
  • Involves the substitution, deletion, or insertion of a single base pair in the DNA sequence.
  • Can result in a change in the structure of the gene.
  • May or may not affect the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein, depending on whether the change is silent, missense, or nonsense.
  • Can cause diseases like sickle cell anemia.

In summary, frameshift mutations involve the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, changing the reading frame and potentially affecting multiple codons, while point mutations involve the substitution, deletion, or insertion of a single base pair and may or may not affect the protein structure or function.

Comparative Table: Frameshift Mutation vs Point Mutation

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

Feature Point Mutation Frameshift Mutation
Definition A gene mutation that involves substituting, deleting, or inserting a base pair. A gene mutation that involves insertion or deletion of a number of nucleotides that is not a multiple of three, resulting in a change in the reading frame.
Type of Change Involves transitions and changes. Involves insertion or deletion of nucleotides.
Structure Results in a change in the structure of the gene. Results in a change in the number of nucleotides.
Diseases Causes diseases like sickle cell anemia. Causes diseases like cystic fibrosis and Crohn's disease.

Point mutations can lead to various types of mutations, such as missense, nonsense, silent, and deletion mutations. In contrast, frameshift mutations are a specific type of point mutation that alters the reading frame of a gene, leading to the insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotides.