How does gene mutation affect enzymes?

Mutations could cause a different or faulty protein to be synthesised . For example, if the protein is an important enzyme, the specific substrate might not fit into the substrate binding site. If it is a structural protein such as collagen, it might lose its strength.

What would happen if there was a mutation in a gene?

When a gene mutation occurs, the nucleotides are in the wrong order which means the coded instructions are wrong and faulty proteins are made or control switches are changed. The body can’t function as it should. Mutations can be inherited from one or both parents.

What will happen if the DNA polymerase that makes the proofreading Cannot function properly?

DNA replication is a highly accurate process, but mistakes can occasionally occur as when a DNA polymerase inserts a wrong base. Uncorrected mistakes may sometimes lead to serious consequences, such as cancer.

Do repair enzymes cause mutations?

Repair enzymes recognize structural imperfections between improperly paired nucleotides, cutting out the wrong ones and putting the right ones in their place. But some replication errors make it past these mechanisms, thus becoming permanent mutations. In eukaryotes, such mutations can lead to cancer.

How would the function of this enzyme be affected if a mutation lead to a different but also positively charged amino acid being in that location?

It is possible that the substitution of a different, but also positive charged R group, would no impact the shape or function of the enzyme. The charge has not changed, so the protein is likely to fold properly, and interact with the substrate in the same way.

What effect would a mutation have?

By the same token, any random change in a gene’s DNA is likely to result in a protein that does not function normally or may not function at all. Such mutations are likely to be harmful. Harmful mutations may cause genetic disorders or cancer. A genetic disorder is a disease caused by a mutation in one or a few genes.

How gene mutation occurs?

Mutations can result from DNA copying mistakes made during cell division, exposure to ionizing radiation, exposure to chemicals called mutagens, or infection by viruses. Germ line mutations occur in the eggs and sperm and can be passed on to offspring, while somatic mutations occur in body cells and are not passed on.

When does DNA polymerase detect mutations?

Cells have a variety of mechanisms to prevent mutations, or permanent changes in DNA sequence. During DNA synthesis, most DNA polymerases “check their work,” fixing the majority of mispaired bases in a process called proofreading.

How does proofreading take place in the process of DNA replication?

During DNA replication (copying), most DNA polymerases can “check their work” with each base that they add. This process is called proofreading. Polymerase detects that the bases are mispaired. Polymerase uses 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity to remove the incorrect T from the 3′ end of the new strand.

What is the purpose of the proofreading function of DNA polymerase?

DNA polymerase proofreading is a spell-checking activity that enables DNA polymerases to remove newly made nucleotide incorporation errors from the primer terminus before further primer extension and also prevents translesion synthesis.