What is the Difference Between Missense and Nonsense Mutation?

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The main difference between missense and nonsense mutations lies in their effects on the protein they produce. Here's a comparison of the two types of mutations:

  • Missense Mutation: This type of mutation occurs when there is a single change in the DNA base pair, leading to the replacement of one amino acid with another in the protein. The alteration can have no effect on the protein's function, enhance its function, or render it "faulty". In some cases, missense mutations can be classified as silent mutations if the change in the amino acid does not affect the protein's overall function.
  • Nonsense Mutation: Unlike missense mutations, nonsense mutations involve a single change in the DNA base pair that produces a stop codon, prematurely terminating protein synthesis. This results in an abnormally shortened protein, which can severely affect its function.

In summary:

  • Missense mutations change an amino acid in the protein, with varying effects on protein function.
  • Nonsense mutations introduce a stop codon, prematurely terminating protein synthesis and leading to an abnormally shortened protein.

Comparative Table: Missense vs Nonsense Mutation

Here is a table comparing the differences between missense and nonsense mutations:

Feature Missense Mutation Nonsense Mutation
Description Substitution of one amino acid for another in a protein sequence due to a single nucleotide change Introduction of a premature stop codon in the DNA sequence, resulting in a truncated protein
Effect on Protein Function The change in amino acid can be neutral, beneficial, or detrimental to the protein's function The truncated protein is typically non-functional or has a different function compared to the original
Conservative vs. Non-conservative Missense mutations can be classified as conservative (similar amino acid properties) or non-conservative (different amino acid properties) Nonsense mutations are not classified as conservative or non-conservative
Examples of Diseases Missense mutations can lead to genetic disorders such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Dravet syndrome, and Hurler syndrome Nonsense mutations can lead to sickle-cell disease, Mediated Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Epidermolysis bullosa

Please note that the effects of these mutations on proteins and their functions can vary greatly depending on the specific gene and organism involved.