Genetic Mutations: Types and Effects

Mutation
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Define a genetic mutation
Mutation refers to a change in the genetic structure of an organism caused by errors in DNA replication, mutagen exposure, or viral infection (Jankovic et al., 2022).
Analyze and describe the different types of genetic mutations and their effects. Then discuss, in detail, the role played by DNA and RNA in genetic diseases.
The various types of genetic mutation include chromosomal mutation and point mutation. A chromosomal mutation is a type of mutation that changes a person’s chromosomal structure. It causes Down syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with an extra copy of a chromosome. A point mutation is a genetic alteration that exists when a single nucleotide in DNA is substituted for another nucleotide (Jankovic et al., 2022). It can lead to protein-related effects such as the substitution of one amino acid for another, a termination codon resulting in a shortened protein that may fail to function or function improperly, and the creation of a new protein sequence that alters some gene regulation aspects such as RNA splicing (Jankovic et al., 2022).
            Genetic disorders occur when a mutation affects an individual’s gene. DNA carries genes and contains instructions for cell functioning and unique characteristics (Stranger & Dermitzakis, 2006). The mutation changes the gene’s instructions for protein synthesis, preventing the protein from working properly. This can lead to a genetic disorder. RNA, on the other hand, creates proteins through translation. Its molecules undergo mu...