Question

genetic mutations produce variation quick check
what is one way that a frameshift mutation could occur? (1 point)
three nucleotides are deleted
two nucleotides are substituted
two nucleotides are deleted
three nucleotides are inserted

Explanation:

A frameshift mutation occurs when the reading frame of the genetic code is shifted, which happens due to insertions or deletions of nucleotides that are not in multiples of three (since a codon is three nucleotides). Deleting two nucleotides (not a multiple of three) will shift the reading frame. Deleting three or inserting three (multiples of three) would add/remove a whole codon, not causing a frameshift. Substitution (like two nucleotides substituted) changes a codon but doesn't shift the frame. So the correct option is the one with two nucleotides deleted.

Answer:

C. two nucleotides are deleted (assuming the options are labeled A, B, C, D with A: three nucleotides are deleted, B: two nucleotides are substituted, C: two nucleotides are deleted, D: three nucleotides are inserted)