Explain how a mutation in DNA could cause a non functioning enzyme to be formed

A mutation could change the order of DNA bases which would alter the type of amino acid produced from a DNA triplet. Therefore, the enzyme, which is a protein, formed from these amino acids would be different. This may change the shape of the enzyme’s active site so it would no longer be a complementary shape to the substrate. As part of the lock and key theory, enzymes and substrates need to have complementary shapes to complete their reaction so if the active site shape is changed, the reaction cannot take place and the enzyme would not be able to function as it would have done with the normal DNA base sequence. 

HW
Answered by Hannah W. Biology tutor

8626 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What happens to the arteries in coronary heart disease?


Describe adaptations of plants that live in dry conditions, such as the desert.


Explain how a leaf is adapted for photosynethesis


How are lungs are adapted for gaseous exchange?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning