Question

A mutation in the gene encoding for a protein causes a change in the amino acid sequence can lead to changes in

• A. primary structure
• B. secondary structure
• C. the function of the protein
• D. all of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D all of the above

A change in amino acid sequence due to mutation changes the primary structure of the protein. A change in the primary structure affects the secondary structure which, in turn, affects the tertiary structure. A change in the tertiary structure affects the quaternary structure. A change in even a single amino acid may change its structure entirely. Due to the change in the shape of the protein, its function will also be hampered or completely lost. We see that everything is connected. A change in the amino acid sequence may alter the positioning of bonds (H-bonds, disulphide bonds). Also, the spatial arrangement of the amino acids may change with respect to the normal arrangement. All these reasons can lead to loss of function of the polypeptides.