Final answer:
An alteration in the gene due to a mutation can affect the functioning of an enzyme in various ways. It can lead to changes in the amino acid sequence, disruption of the active site, or alterations in gene expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
An alteration in the gene that codes for an enzyme, due to a mutation, can have various effects on the functioning of the enzyme. One possibility is that the mutation may result in a change in the amino acid sequence of the enzyme, which could affect the protein's structure and, consequently, its function. For example, a mutation may replace a polar amino acid with a nonpolar one, altering the enzyme's ability to interact with its substrate.
Another possibility is that the mutation may disrupt the enzyme's active site, which is the region where the substrate binds and the catalytic reaction occurs. This can prevent the enzyme from performing its function properly or entirely.
Additionally, a mutation may affect the regulation of gene expression, leading to an alteration in the enzyme's production or availability. This can impact the overall level of the enzyme and, subsequently, its activity.