Coding DNA Changes and Protein Function Flashcards

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What is coding DNA?

Coding DNA is the part of DNA that carries the code to build a protein.

What is meant by a mutation in coding DNA?

It is a change in the base sequence of a gene that may change the protein made.

How can a change in one base in coding DNA affect a protein?

It can change one triplet, so a different amino acid is added to the protein chain.

Why can a change in amino acid sequence change a protein’s shape?

The order of amino acids controls how the chain folds, so a change can make it fold in a new way.

How can a change in protein shape affect its function?

If the shape changes, for example at an active site, the protein may not work properly or at all.

What is a substitution mutation in coding DNA?

It is when one base is swapped for another in the DNA sequence.

What is an insertion mutation in coding DNA?

It is when one or more extra bases are added into the DNA sequence.

Why can insertions or deletions cause a big change in a protein?

They can shift the reading frame, so every triplet after the change is read differently.

What is a silent mutation in coding DNA?

It is a base change that does not change the amino acid, so the protein stays the same.

Can coding DNA changes ever be helpful?

Yes. Sometimes a change makes a protein work better or gives it a new useful function.