Final answer:
Insertions and deletions in DNA can lead to frameshift mutations, altering the reading frame of mRNA, and potentially rendering the resultant proteins nonfunctional, especially if they introduce a premature stop codon.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Insertions and Deletions on Protein Production
Insertions and deletions in DNA can have a significant effect on the proteins produced by changing the reading frame. If an insertion or deletion is not in multiples of three, it results in a frameshift mutation, which alters the way ribosomes read mRNA codons.
Every amino acid following this mutation can be changed, often rendering the resulting protein nonfunctional. For example, inserting a single nucleotide partway through a sequence like AUG-AAA (start-lysine) to become AUG-AAA-U (start-lysine-tyrosine) shifts the reading frame, affecting all subsequent codons and potentially introduces a premature stop codon.
Conversely, insertions or deletions in multiples of three can be less harmful as they may only add or remove entire amino acids without changing the reading frame.