Answer:
The mutation that replaces a nucleotide with a different one is more likely to prevent the protein from functioning properly than the mutation that involves the insertion of a single nucleotide.
This is because the genetic code is read in triplets of nucleotides, and a single nucleotide substitution can result in a different amino acid being incorporated into the protein. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and their sequence determines the structure and function of the protein. If a single nucleotide substitution results in a different amino acid being incorporated, this can alter the protein's structure and function, potentially rendering it non-functional.
On the other hand, a single nucleotide insertion would only shift the reading frame of the genetic code, meaning that the amino acid sequence downstream of the mutation would be altered. However, if the insertion occurs in a non-coding region or if it results in the addition of an extra amino acid that does not disrupt the protein's structure or function, the protein may still be able to function properly.
Of course, the severity of the effect of either mutation on the protein's function would depend on the specific location of the mutation within the gene and the protein's structure and function. But in general, a single nucleotide substitution is more likely to have a detrimental effect on the protein's function than a single nucleotide insertion.
Step-by-step explanation: