Final answer:
A nonsense mutation is a type of mutation in DNA that changes a codon to a stop codon, causing translation to stop prematurely. This can result in a shorter or non-functional protein product. Nonsense mutations can have harmful consequences as they disrupt the normal functioning of proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nonsense mutation is a type of mutation in DNA where a codon that normally codes for an amino acid is changed to a stop codon, causing translation to stop prematurely. This can result in a shorter or non-functional protein product.
Nonsense mutations can have harmful consequences as they disrupt the normal functioning of proteins.
For example, in sickle cell disease, a nonsense mutation leads to the production of abnormal hemoglobin, resulting in the characteristic sickle-shaped red blood cells.