Question

at first, the beginning of a base sequence looked like tat cat cgt tgg. then, due to a mutation, its beginning changed to tat cat cgc tgg.
a) identify the type of mutation involved. explain your answer. (0.5 mark)
b) predict the effect this mutation will have on the sequence of amino acids produced. explain your prediction. (1.5 mark)

Explanation:

A) The mutation is a point - mutation (specifically a substitution mutation). One base (T in CGT) is replaced by another base (G to form CGC).
B) The effect on the amino - acid sequence depends on the genetic code. If the original CGT and the mutated CGC code for the same amino - acid (which is the case as both code for arginine), there will be no change in the amino - acid sequence (silent mutation). If they code for different amino - acids, it could lead to a change in the protein's structure and function. In this case, since they code for the same amino - acid, it is a silent mutation and the amino - acid sequence remains unchanged.

Answer:

A) Substitution mutation. One base is replaced.
B) No change in amino - acid sequence. CGT and CGC code for arginine.