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Multiple Choice
The insertion or deletion of how many nucleotides would cause a frameshift mutation?
A
1 nucleotide
B
2 nucleotides
C
4 nucleotides
D
3 nucleotides
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a frameshift mutation: A frameshift mutation occurs when nucleotides are inserted or deleted from the DNA sequence, causing a shift in the reading frame of the codons during translation.
Recall that the genetic code is read in triplets, known as codons, each of which codes for a specific amino acid.
Consider the effect of inserting or deleting nucleotides: If the number of nucleotides inserted or deleted is not a multiple of three, the reading frame will shift, altering the downstream amino acid sequence.
Analyze the given options: Inserting or deleting 1 or 2 nucleotides will cause a frameshift because these numbers are not multiples of three.
Recognize that inserting or deleting 3 nucleotides will not cause a frameshift, as it maintains the reading frame, but 4 nucleotides will cause a frameshift as it is not a multiple of three.