CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Nucleic acids and protein synthesis

Nucleic acids and protein synthesis: explain question

Explain5 marksStandard

The gene FGL1 in the fungus Mycena lucida codes for a polypeptide that is part of an enzyme responsible for producing a fluorescent pigment. The wild-type enzyme functions normally. Two different mutations in the FGL1 gene have been identified:

  • Mutation A: a single base substitution (adenine to guanine) in an exon.
  • Mutation B: a single base deletion (of cytosine) in the same exon.

Explain how these two types of mutation (substitution and deletion) can affect the polypeptide produced during protein synthesis. In your answer, compare the possible consequences of each mutation on the amino acid sequence and the likely impact on the function of the enzyme.

0 words · 5 marks

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