What would happen if a cell transcribed and translated a gene’s intron by mistake?(1 point)

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If a cell transcribed and translated a gene's intron by mistake, the resulting protein would likely be non-functional or have altered functionality. This is because introns are regions of DNA that do not code for proteins and are typically removed during the process of RNA splicing before translation occurs.

Introns contain non-coding sequences and regulatory elements that are important for gene expression and regulation. If an intron is mistakenly transcribed and translated, it may introduce additional amino acids or disrupt the normal reading frame of the coding sequence. This can result in the production of a non-functional or truncated protein, as the correct sequence of amino acids necessary for proper protein folding and function would be altered.

Furthermore, the presence of introns in the transcribed mRNA can also lead to inefficient translation, as the ribosomes may encounter stop signals or other regulatory elements within the introns, leading to premature termination or impaired protein synthesis.

Overall, the translation of introns by mistake would most likely result in the production of abnormal or non-functional proteins, potentially leading to cellular dysfunction or disease.