Question

What is the consequence of mutation of a mismatch repair enzyme? How will this affect the function of a gene?

a) The mutation increases gene expression, leading to excessive protein production.
b) The mutation causes the gene to become dormant, resulting in no protein synthesis.
c) The mutation results in increased fidelity of DNA replication.
d) The mutation leads to an accumulation of genetic errors and potential malfunctioning proteins.

Answer 1

A mutation in a mismatch repair enzyme can cause an accumulation of genetic errors that lead to the production of malfunctioning proteins. These genetic errors can affect the function of a gene and have serious health implications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The consequence of a mutation in a mismatch repair enzyme is that it leads to an accumulation of genetic errors and potential malfunctioning proteins. Mismatch repair enzymes play a critical role post-DNA replication by scanning the DNA strand to correct any mismatched nucleotides, ensuring the fidelity of the genetic code is maintained. When these enzymes are mutated and their function is compromised, the errors that occur during replication are not properly fixed, which means that the wrong nucleotides remain in the DNA sequence.

This accumulation of errors can result in the malfunctioning of genes, as the gene may code for an incorrect sequence of amino acids, leading to defective proteins. Proteins are essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs, so any defect in the protein can have a severe impact on cellular and bodily functions. This is the most accurate answer choice listed, as it reflects the serious implications of a malfunctioning mismatch repair system. The function of a gene can be severely affected with potential consequences including cancer and other genetic disorders.