A mutation in the codon which causes a change in the coded amino acid, is known as:
The core concept here is mutation types. There are several types like silent, missense, nonsense, and frameshift mutations. The question specifically mentions a change in the amino acid, so it's not a silent mutation. Missense mutations are when a single nucleotide change results in a different amino acid. Nonsense mutations create a stop codon. Frameshift involves insertions or deletions, altering the reading frame.
Since the question is about a codon change leading to a different amino acid, the correct term is missense mutation. Now, the options are likely to include these terms. Let's assume the options are A: Silent, B: Missense, C: Nonsense, D: Frameshift. The correct answer would be B.
For the explanation, the core concept is that mutations alter the genetic code. Missense mutations specifically change one amino acid. The correct answer is right because it directly leads to an amino acid substitution. Each wrong option is incorrect: silent doesn't change the amino acid, nonsense creates a stop, and frameshift shifts the reading frame.
Clinical pearl: Remember that missense mutations can lead to diseases like sickle cell anemia. High-yield fact for exams.
Need to structure the explanation with the required sections, bold labels, and proper formatting. Make sure each part is concise and within the character limit. Check that all sections are included and the reasoning is accurate.
**Core Concept**
This question tests understanding of **mutation types** in molecular genetics. A **missense mutation** occurs when a nucleotide substitution alters the codon to code for a different amino acid, directly affecting protein structure/function. Other mutation types include silent (no amino acid change), nonsense (stop codon formation), and frameshift (insertions/deletions altering the reading frame).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
A **missense mutation** involves a single nucleotide change in a codon, resulting in substitution of one amino acid for another. For example, in sickle cell anemia, a GAG β GTG substitution in the Ξ²-globin gene replaces glutamic acid with valine. This alters protein function and can lead to pathological conditions. The mechanism is distinct from other mutations because it preserves translational continuity but introduces a structurally/functional altered amino acid.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Silent mutation* is incorrect because it does not alter the amino acid (due to codon redundancy).
**Option C:** *Nonsense mutation* is incorrect because it creates a premature stop codon, truncating the protein.
**Option D:** *Frameshift mutation* is incorrect because it arises from insertions/deletions (not substitutions) and disrupts the entire downstream reading frame.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember: **"Missense = miss an amino acid"** (i.e., substitution). Contrast with **nonsense** ("no sense" = stop codon) and **silent** ("same amino acid"). This distinction is critical for diagnosing genetic disorders and understanding drug targets.
**Correct Answer: B. Missense mutation**