Why would a deletion mutation in the DNA base sequence lead to the production of a non-functional enzyme?

Because the deletion mutation would cause a frame shift in the DNA base sequence and hence would lead to the formation of new base triplets. As a result, the primary structure of the enzyme would be different and hence hydrogen bonds would be formed between molecules at different positions on the amino acid chain. Therefore, the primary structure would fold differently to produce a differently shaped secondary structure and consequently a differently shaped tertiary structure- the enzymes active site. This newly formed active site wouldn’t be complementary to the substrate that fit into the enzymes original active site and hence the enzyme produced would be non-functional.

AM
Answered by Aoife M. Biology tutor

4151 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the Krebs cycle?


Describe the structure of a protein


Describe prions and their function, give example of prion disease


How does light intensity control plant seed germination?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning