Which is a point mutation and not a frameshift mutation?

Step 1: Define the Problem

Identify the key components of the question that need to be addressed:

• Understand the difference between point mutations and frameshift mutations.
• Determine which type of mutation is a point mutation.

Step 2: Break Down the Problem

Divide the problem into smaller, manageable parts:

1. Define what a point mutation is.
2. Define what a frameshift mutation is.
3. Identify the characteristics that differentiate a point mutation from a frameshift mutation.

Step 3: Apply Relevant Concepts

Use appropriate academic theories or formulas to solve each part of the problem:

• Point Mutation: A mutation affecting a single nucleotide base pair in the DNA sequence. This includes substitutions where one base is replaced by another.
• Frameshift Mutation: A mutation caused by insertions or deletions of a number of nucleotides that is not divisible by three, which shifts the reading frame of the genetic message.

Step 4: Analysis, Verify and Summarize

Analyze each part in detail if necessary, carry out the calculations by steps. Verify the calculations result and summarize the findings:

• Point mutations include silent mutations, missense mutations, and nonsense mutations. These involve changes to a single nucleotide without altering the reading frame.
• Frameshift mutations result in a shift in the reading frame, leading to significant changes in the protein sequence downstream of the mutation.

Final Answer

A point mutation is a change in a single nucleotide base pair, such as a substitution, and does not alter the reading frame of the genetic sequence.