Silent gene mutation

A silent mutation has no effect on protein structure and thus also on protein function. It occurs when mutations affect a section on the DNA that does not carry a blueprint for a protein (non-coding DNA).

Another possibility is that the change in the base sequence nevertheless leads to the correct amino acid. Indeed, because the genetic code is redundant, there are usually multiple code words for an amino acid. For example, the base sequences CCU and CCG both provide for the formation of the amino acid proline. You can easily read this from the code sun.

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