Question

which mutation, mutation 1 or mutation 2, would have the most significant impact on the gene product?

Answer 1

A mutation in the DNA would have a more significant impact on the gene product compared to a mutation in the mRNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of gene expression, a mutation in the DNA would have a more significant impact on the gene product compared to a mutation in the mRNA. This is because DNA contains the instructions for building proteins, while mRNA acts as a messenger to transfer those instructions from DNA to the ribosomes where protein synthesis occurs. If a mutation occurs in the DNA sequence, it can change the amino acid sequence encoded by the gene, thereby altering the structure and function of the resulting protein. On the other hand, a mutation in the mRNA would only affect the protein made from that particular mRNA strand, and its impact is temporary since mRNA is constantly synthesized and degraded.

Answer 2

A mutation in DNA would typically have a more significant impact on the gene product compared to a mutation in mRNA. DNA mutations can permanently alter the sequence of the gene, leading to an incorrect protein being produced. mRNA mutations only affect the proteins made from that specific mRNA strand.

Step-by-step explanation:

In terms of gene expression, a mutation in DNA would typically have a more significant impact on the gene product compared to a mutation in mRNA. This is because DNA mutations can permanently alter the sequence of the gene, leading to an incorrect protein being produced. On the other hand, mRNA mutations only affect the proteins made from that specific mRNA strand.

For example, if there is a mutation in the DNA, it can change the codon sequence, resulting in the incorporation of an incorrect amino acid in the protein. This can lead to structural and functional changes in the protein, potentially causing a loss or alteration of its normal function.

In contrast, an mRNA mutation may result in a premature termination codon or a change in the reading frame, both of which can lead to the production of a truncated or non-functional protein. However, the impact of the mRNA mutation is temporary since the mRNA strand will eventually degrade, ceasing the production of defective proteins.