A nucleotide deletion early in the coding sequence of a gene would most likely result in the production of a truncated or nonfunctional protein.
A nucleotide deletion is a type of mutation in which one or more nucleotides are removed from a strand of DNA. This can occur due to errors during DNA replication or exposure to mutagenic agents, such as radiation or certain chemicals.
If a nucleotide deletion occurs within the coding sequence of a gene, it can affect the sequence of codons along the coding strand of DNA. A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides that encodes a specific amino acid or a stop signal for protein synthesis.
A nucleotide deletion early in the coding sequence of a gene can disrupt the reading frame of the DNA, resulting in the production of a truncated or nonfunctional protein. This is because the deletion will change the sequence of codons, leading to the synthesis of an incomplete or incorrect protein.
For example, if a nucleotide deletion occurs in the first nucleotide of a codon, the resulting codon will be missing its first nucleotide. This will change the sequence of the following codons, leading to the synthesis of an incomplete or incorrect protein.
Overall, a nucleotide deletion early in the coding sequence of a gene would most likely result in the production of a truncated or nonfunctional protein. This type of mutation has the potential to affect the structure and function of the protein, depending on the location and nature of the mutation.