When we are born, it is estimated that each of us contains 30-50 brand new mutat

Question

When we are born, it is estimated that each of us contains 30-50 brand new mutations. Consider the fate of just one of those new mutations, and explain how likely it is that mutation is likely to lead to a phenotypic difference in the individual carrying it. A good answer will describe the processes of transcription, translation, protein structure, gene expression, and molecular architecture and describe their influences on the phenotypic appearance of this new mutation.

Poster's note: This was a question on a past test that I had to leave totally blank because I didn't know the answer. Now that the final is coming up I want to have the concept down in case it appears for the final. I posted this earlier but the reply was very thorough and complicated; I couldn't make any sense of it and it didn't help me in the least. Please be as simple and consice as you can. Explain like I'm 5, so to speak.

Explanation / Answer

Mutation is likely to lead to a phenotypic difference in the individual carrying it in three ways:

1) No change occurs in phenotype.

It occurs if mutation is in a DNA with no function, or may be mutation in a protein-coding region and ends up but not affect the amino acid sequence of the protein.

2) change occurs in phenotype:

If a particular gene is mutated, then may be there is change in the amino acid sequence of a protein or the quantity of a protein produced. It may affect phenotype.

Proteins serve as:

- structural functions (in the maintenance of cell or tissue shape and rigidity)

- in the transport of molecules and communication between cells.

- catalyzing chemical reactions for the synthesis and transformation of biological molecules.

The types and quantities of all biological molecules in the cells or tissues causes phenotypic variation. Such as variation in the activity of an enzyme for pigment synthesis in a plant causes white flowers rather than red.

DNA Encodes RNA by the process of Transcription and RNA Encodes Protein by Transcription.

But if there is mutation in DNA sequence , then it leads to error in Transcription and ultimately to altered protein and so affect phenotype.

The flow of mutated genetic information in cells from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA) to protein, specifies sequence of altered mRNA molecules, which in turn specify incorrect the sequence of proteins .

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