How do frame shift mutations alter genetic information?

Frame shift mutations alter genetic information by causing a shift in the reading frame of the genetic code.

Frame shift mutations are a type of genetic mutation that occur when one or more base pairs are inserted or deleted from a DNA sequence. This causes a shift in the reading frame of the genetic code, which is the way the DNA sequence is divided into groups of three base pairs, or codons. Each codon codes for a specific amino acid, which are the building blocks of proteins.

When a frame shift mutation occurs, the codons downstream of the mutation are read incorrectly. This can result in the production of a completely different protein, or it can cause the protein synthesis to stop prematurely. This is because the new sequence of codons may include a stop codon, which signals the end of protein synthesis, in a position where it was not originally present.

The effects of frame shift mutations can be quite severe, as they can drastically alter the structure and function of the proteins that are produced. This can lead to a variety of genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs disease.

In summary, frame shift mutations can significantly alter genetic information by causing a shift in the reading frame of the genetic code. This can result in the production of different proteins, or the premature termination of protein synthesis, which can lead to genetic disorders.