Question

identify the specific type of mutation below and determine whether #1 or #2 is worse and explain. mutation #1 CAG CCT TTG CGC AAG mutation #2 CAG CCT TTA CCC AAG

Answer 1

The mutation is the change in the genetic or DNA sequence that can be inherited.

Mutation 1: CAG CCT TTG CGC AAG

mRNA sequence:     GUC GGA AAC GCG UUC

Amino acid sequence: Val   Gly   Asn   Ala   Phe

Mutation 2: CAG CCT TTA CCC AAG    

mRNA sequence:       GUC GGA AAU GGG UUC

Amino acid sequence:   Val   Gly   Asn   Gly   Phe      

There is difference in codons in mutations 1 and 2. In mutation 1 TTG is replaced by TTA in mutation 2. But, both the codons encode for same amino acid Aspargine (Asn). In mutation 1 the codon CGC encodes amino acid Alanine (Ala). In mutation 2 The codon CCC encodes amino acid glycine (Gly). But both the amino acids Alanine and Glycine are aliphatic, nonpolar and have neutral sidechain. Thus, the function of protein may not be affected.