Question

Explain the consequences of altering a DNA base in the genome of an organism.

Answer 1

Altering a DNA base in the genome of an organism can have consequences at the protein level. Point mutations, such as substitutions and deletions, can result in altered or nonfunctional proteins. Harmful mutations may lead to genetic disorders or cancer.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a DNA base is altered in the genome of an organism, it can have consequences at the protein level. Point mutations, which occur when a single base is substituted, can result in different amino acids being incorporated into the protein, affecting its structure and function. For example, if cytosine is replaced with adenine, it may result in a different amino acid being inserted, leading to an altered protein.

In some cases, point mutations can be harmful. If a deletion occurs, it can cause a frameshift mutation, where the reading frame of the mRNA is shifted, resulting in a completely different set of codons. This can lead to nonfunctional or altered proteins. Harmful mutations may cause genetic disorders or cancer.

Answer 2

Can be negative, neutral or positive change.

Step-by-step explanation:

A negative change can result in diseases such as sickle cell anemia. This is because the amino acid that codon will code for changes.

A neutral change can result if the codon codes for the same amino acid as the original one.

A positive change can result if the new codon can express a beneficial phenotipic change. Something like having the body surviving on decreased amount of water or increased amounts of sodium is beneficial for organisms living near the equator.