Question

generally speaking, which of the following mutations would most severely affect the protein coded for by a gene? view available hint(s)for part c a base substitution at the beginning of the gene a base substitution at the end of the gene a frameshift deletion at the beginning of the gene a frameshift deletion at the end of the gene

Answer 1

A frameshift deletion at the beginning of a gene would most severely affect the resulting protein, as it changes the reading frame and can alter every subsequent amino acid, often rendering the protein nonfunctional.

Step-by-step explanation:

Generally speaking, a frameshift deletion at the beginning of the gene would most severely affect the protein coded for by a gene. A frameshift mutation, especially one that happens early in the sequence, changes the reading frame of the genetic code, leading to a completely different translation from the original. Since the ribosomes read the mRNA in triplet codons, this type of mutation can change every amino acid that comes after the mutation, often resulting in a nonfunctional protein. A base substitution may only cause a single amino acid change, which might be less impactful. However, a frameshift deletion near the start of a gene will result in more extensive changes to the encoded protein, possibly leading to loss of function.