A segment of DNA was mutated due to exposure to radiation. The original and mutated mRNA sequences are

Question

shown:
Original mRNA sequence: UUC UCG AAU GAG UCG
Mutated mRNA sequence: UUC UCG AAU GAG UGG
What type of mutation occurred as a result to exposure to radiation?
Select all correct options
Substitution
Deletion
Evolution
Insertion

Answer 1

The original mRNA sequence is: UUC UCG AAU GAG UCG
The mutated mRNA sequence is: UUC UCG AAU GAG UGG

To determine the type of mutation, let's compare the sequences:

• The first part of the sequence (UUC UCG AAU GAG) is the same in both the original and mutated mRNA sequences.
• The only change occurs in the last codon: the original "UCG" has been mutated to "UGG."

This represents a change in a single nucleotide, which is characteristic of a substitution mutation.

Here are the options evaluated:

• Substitution: Correct - This is the correct type of mutation since one nucleotide (the last codon) has been substituted for another.
• Deletion: Incorrect - No nucleotides have been deleted in this case.
• Evolution: Incorrect - While mutations can contribute to evolution over time, this term is not applicable in the context of describing a specific mutation type.
• Insertion: Incorrect - There is no additional nucleotide inserted into the sequence.

In conclusion, the correct option is Substitution.