Final answer:
Frameshift mutations are genetic mutations caused by insertions or deletions of nucleotides that shift the reading frame. The correct answer to the student's question is E) both deletions and insertions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to frameshift mutations. Frameshift mutations are genetic mutations that occur due to either insertions or deletions of nucleotides in the DNA sequence. These mutations result in a shift in the reading frame during protein synthesis. Specifically, options A (insertions only) and B (deletions only) both describe scenarios that could lead to frameshift mutations. However, option E, which includes both deletions and insertions, is the most correct answer as both types of mutations lead to a frameshift.