Final answer:
A mutant protein working against a normal one is an example of a dominant negative mutation in genetics, where the mutated protein hinders the function of the normal protein within the same cell. This interference can have significant impacts on cell function and contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
A mutant protein working against a normal one is an example of a dominant negative mutation in genetics. This type of mutation occurs when a gene product adversely affects the normal, wild-type gene product within the same cell, usually by blocking or inhibiting its function.
The mutant protein can still interact with the same elements as the wild-type protein, but it hinders its normal function. This interference can have significant impacts on cell function and contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer.
For example, in colon cancer, the expression of a mutant form of the c-Flip protein results in increased cell growth instead of cell death, dramatically altering cell function.