Final answer:
A missense mutation is a type of mutation that causes a different amino acid to be inserted into the protein sequence, which can have significant consequences on the protein's structure and function. The effect of a missense mutation depends on the chemical properties of the new amino acid and its location within the protein.
Step-by-step explanation:
A missense mutation is a type of mutation that causes a different amino acid to be inserted into the protein sequence.
This can have significant consequences on the protein's structure and function. For example, in sickle-cell disease, a missense mutation results in the substitution of valine for glutamic acid in the hemoglobin protein, leading to the formation of abnormal sickle-shaped red blood cells.
The effect of a missense mutation depends on the chemical properties of the new amino acid and its location within the protein. It can range from causing a loss of function to having no effect or even being beneficial in certain environmental conditions.