Final answer:
DNA errors are typically fixed by repair mechanisms, but if not corrected, they can result in mutations and possibly lead to diseases like cancer. DNA's instructions are transcribed onto mRNA, which ribosomes use to assemble amino acids into proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
When mistakes occur during DNA replication, such as when a DNA polymerase inserts the wrong base, various repair mechanisms typically correct these errors. However, when these repair mechanisms fail or are themselves defective, these uncorrected mistakes can lead to mutations, which sometimes result in serious consequences, such as cancer. The central dogma of molecular biology explains that DNA instructions are transcribed onto messenger RNA (mRNA), which then travels from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. The ribosomes read the genetic information on the mRNA and use it to assemble amino acids into proteins in a process known as protein synthesis.
In summary, DNA's instructions are used to create a complementary RNA sequence, which then directs the production of proteins on ribosomes. If the genetic code from the DNA has a mistake that is not repaired, it can result in a protein with an incorrect amino acid sequence, potentially leading to functional issues in the cell and organism.