Genetic Variants in Coding DNA Flashcards

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What is coding DNA?

It is the part of a gene that gives the order of amino acids to build a protein.

In coding DNA, how many bases code for one amino acid?

Three bases (a codon) code for one amino acid.

What is a genetic variant in coding DNA?

It is a change in the base sequence of the coding part of a gene. This can alter the protein made.

What is a substitution in coding DNA?

One base is swapped for another. It may change one codon and one amino acid.

What is an insertion in coding DNA?

One or more extra bases are added. This can shift how triplets are read and change many amino acids.

What is a deletion in coding DNA?

One or more bases are removed. This can shift how triplets are read and change many amino acids.

What is a frameshift and why is it serious?

It is when the grouping of three bases shifts after an insertion or deletion. Every codon after changes, so the protein can be very different or not work.

How can a coding variant change a protein?

A changed codon can give a different amino acid. This can make the chain fold in a new way and change how the protein works.

Can a substitution have no effect on the protein?

Yes. Some amino acids have more than one codon, so the change may not alter the amino acid. This is called a silent change.

What happens if a variant creates a stop codon early?

The ribosome stops the protein too soon. The protein is shorter and often does not work.

How can coding variants affect enzymes?

They can change amino acids in the active site. The substrate may not fit, so the reaction may slow or stop.

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