Question

Could a single nucleotide deletion restore the function of a protein-coding gene interrupted by the insertion of a 4-nt sequence? Explain.

Short answer

The 4-nucleotide insertion may not restore the function of a protein-encoding gene.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Concept

One of the structural elements or building blocks of DNA and RNA is the nucleotide.A nucleotide is made up of a base (one of the four substances adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine), a sugar molecule, and a phosphoric acid molecule.

Restoration of the single nucleotide deletion function of a protein-coding gene interrupted by the insertion of a 4-nt sequence

The addition of a 4-nucleotide sequence will result in the addition of one more codon, causing a shift in the reading frame. It can cause the insertion of a Stop codon early in the gene, which will not restore gene function. The insertion can interrupt the function of amino acids. It can also create a codon that can break the structure of amino acids. The site of nucleotide insertion and one nucleotide deletion can differ, which will interrupt the restoration of gene function.