Neutral gene mutation

A neutral mutation causes a different amino acid sequence in the protein. However, the change has no effect on the function of the resulting protein. In fact, in some regions of a protein (variable region), an exchange of amino acids or even a gap formation is possible without resulting in a loss of function.

A mutation is a permanent change in the genetic material . The following types of mutations are distinguished: gene mutation , chromosome mutation , genome mutation . Mutations can occur spontaneously, e.g. during DNA replication or meiosis. Mutation can also be induced e.g. by mutagens. Induced mutation: Factors outside the cell (mutagens), can also cause mutations. These are, for example, high-energy radiation, such as X-rays or UV radiation, as well as certain chemical compounds or special viruses. The following inheritance patterns are known:

• Somatic mutation (confined to body cells only).
• Germline mutations (the mutation is passed on to offspring).

Mutations are divided into the following forms:

• silent mutation
• neutral mutation
• loss-of-function mutation
• gain-of-function mutation
• conditional mutation
• lethal mutation