Final answer:
A frameshift mutation is a type of mutation caused by the insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotides that shifts the reading frame of the genetic code. Substitutions can occur without causing a frameshift mutation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A frameshift mutation is a type of mutation that causes the insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotides, which shifts the reading frame of the genetic code. This can result in significant changes to the synthesized protein.
With frameshift mutations, the insertion or deletion of a single nucleotide always causes a frameshift mutation, while point mutations such as substitutions can still occur without causing a frameshift.