frameshift mutation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

A point mutation is a change in a single nucleotide (substitution), which may or may not change the amino acid. A frameshift mutation involves the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, altering the reading frame and typically having a more severe effect.

Extremely rarely. Because it completely disrupts the protein's sequence from the mutation point onward, it almost always leads to loss of function. Beneficial mutations are more commonly point mutations or in-frame insertions/deletions.

The genetic code is read in triplets (codons). If you insert or delete exactly three nucleotides (one codon), the reading frame is preserved after the event, resulting in an in-frame insertion or deletion of one amino acid, not a frameshift.

Commonly through DNA sequencing. Techniques like Sanger sequencing or Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) can reveal insertions or deletions. Bioinformatics tools then analyse the sequence to predict if the change alters the reading frame.

A type of genetic mutation caused by the insertion or deletion of a number of nucleotides that is not a multiple of three, which alters the reading frame of the genetic code during translation, usually resulting in a completely different and non-functional protein.

Frameshift mutation is usually technical/scientific in register.

Frameshift mutation: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfreɪmʃɪft mjuːˈteɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfreɪmʃɪft mjuːˈteɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.