Question

Which of the following is NEVER a frameshift mutation?

a. substitution
b. insertion
c. deletion
d. point mutation e. all of the above

Answer 1

A frameshift mutation occurs when insertions or deletions of nucleotides change the genetic code's reading frame. Substitutions, which replace one nucleotide with another, do not cause this shift; hence, 'a. substitution' is never a frameshift mutation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking which option is NEVER considered a frameshift mutation. A frameshift mutation is characterized by an insertion or deletion of nucleotides that alters the reading frame of the genetic code. Based on the options given, substitution (a) and point mutation (d) do not typically cause a frameshift because they involve replacing one nucleotide with another rather than inserting or deleting. It's important to note that while point mutations can include insertions or deletions, they are not necessarily frameshift mutations unless they alter the reading frame of the genetic code. Since substitutions and point mutations that are not insertions or deletions do not shift the reading frame, the correct answer is a. substitution.

Answer 2

substitution is never a framshift mutation