Gene Mutations

• Gene mutations can arise during DNA replication.
• Types of gene mutations include addition, deletion, substitution, inversion, duplication, and translocation of bases.
• Gene mutations occur spontaneously, but can be increased by mutagenic agents.
• Mutations can result in a change in the amino acid sequence of the encoded polypeptide.
• Some gene mutations only change one triplet code, but not all result in a change in the encoded amino acid.
• Some gene mutations result in a frame shift, changing all base triplets downstream from the mutation.
• It is important to understand the nature of a gene mutation and its effect on the encoded polypeptide for a comprehensive understanding.