Final answer:
Mutations occurring in the non-protein coding area of the genome primarily affect regulatory functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mutations occurring in the non-protein coding area of the genome primarily affect regulatory functions. This is because the non-protein coding regions, or non-coding DNA, play a crucial role in controlling gene expression and regulating various cellular processes. Mutations in these regions can disrupt the normal functioning of regulatory elements, leading to dysregulation of gene expression and potentially resulting in various disorders or diseases.