Why Is a Single Base Mutation Less Severe Than a Triplet Base Mutation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the severity of single base mutations compared to triplet base mutations in the context of protein coding sequences. Participants explore the implications of these mutations on enzyme shape and function, touching on concepts of genetic translation and the triplet code.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the addition or deletion of one base is considered less severe than that of three bases, suggesting that both would affect enzyme shape.
  • Another participant asserts that the addition or deletion of one base is much more severe than that of three bases, implying a misunderstanding in the initial question.
  • A later reply challenges the initial premise, suggesting that the severity of mutations is not as straightforward as presented and references historical evidence related to the triplet code.
  • One participant acknowledges a typographical error in their earlier post and reiterates the question about the severity of one versus three base mutations.
  • Another participant suggests that theoretical reasoning could clarify the differences in severity, even for those with limited knowledge of translation processes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the severity of single versus triplet base mutations, with conflicting views on which is more severe. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about the impact of mutations on protein structure and function, as well as the historical context of the triplet code's discovery.

crays
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Hi, i would like to ask why is addition or deletion of one base in mutation is not as severe as addition or deletion of 3 base in mutation? If it were to make enzyme the shape would be gone right?
 
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Addition or deletion of one base in a protein coding sequence is much more severe than addition or deletion of 3 bases.
 
crays said:
Hi, i would like to ask why is addition or deletion of one base in mutation is not as severe as addition or deletion of 3 base in mutation? If it were to make enzyme the shape would be gone right?

Er, isn't this exactly the wrong way round? And wasn't that the first evidence produced for the triplet code? Check your books.
 
Woopz, i apologize. I typed wrongly. Yeah, but why is addition/deletion of 1 base much more severe than the addition/deletion of 3 base? The shape would still be gone right?
 
Well I mentioned the triplet code so, unusually for biology, you could maybe work it out in theory as one is supposed to do at this site. Even if you know rather little about 'translation'. As they knew little about translation when they worked it out originally.
 

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