Question

What is an example of silent mutation?

Answer 1

Mutation:

1. The change or alteration in the DNA sequences results in changes in the phenotype and genotype of an organism is called a mutation.
2. The change in the DNA is caused due to change in the single base pair of the DNA (point mutation) or exposure to the chemicals that can cause mutations(mutagens).
3. The mutations can occur both in the somatic and germinal cells (sex cells) of the body.
4. Somatic mutation can result in cancer, and germinal mutation can cause genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, which can be transmitted from parents to the offspring.

Silent mutation :

1. The type of base substitution mutation through which the amino acid encoded by the mutated codon of mRNA does not change.
2. These mutations occur at the third position of the codon

Example of silent mutation :

1. The amino acid proline is encoded by four codons CCA, CCG, CCU, and CCC.
2. Codons are three consecutive nucleotides in DNA or RNA strands that code for specific amino acids.
3. If the codon CCA gets mutated to CCG, the same amino acid proline will be incorporated into the peptide chain.
4. Thus, it is a type of silent mutation.