Frameshift Mutation
Definition
A frameshift mutation is a type of genetic mutation where the addition or deletion of nucleotides changes the reading frame of the gene, altering the sequence of amino acids and potentially leading to nonfunctional proteins.
Analogy
Imagine you're reading a book, but suddenly all the words shift one letter to the left. The story wouldn't make sense anymore, right? That's what happens in a frameshift mutation - it shifts everything and can change the whole 'story' that our genes are trying to tell.
Related terms
Deletion Mutation: This is when a section of DNA is lost, or deleted.
Insertion Mutation: This occurs when extra DNA bases are inserted into a new place in the DNA.
Point Mutation: A single base pair in DNA has been changed.
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