Deletion mutation is defined as a change in the base sequence of a gene that results from the loss of one or more base pairs in the DNA. Which option best represents this definition?

Deletion mutation is defined as a change in the base sequence of a gene that results from the loss of one or more base pairs in the DNA. Which option best represents this definition?

• A. A change in the base sequence of a gene that results from the loss of one or more base pairs in the DNA
• B. A change of one base to another
• C. An insertion mutation
• D. A silent mutation

Answer: (A)

Deletion mutation means a change in the DNA where one or more nucleotide bases are removed, so the original sequence is shortened and the genetic message is altered. The description that explicitly states a change in the base sequence of a gene resulting from the loss of one or more base pairs in the DNA matches this idea exactly, making it the best choice. Substitution mutations involve replacing one base with another, not removing bases. Insertion mutations are the opposite—adding bases rather than removing them. A silent mutation is when a change does not affect the resulting protein, often due to the redundancy of the genetic code, and it does not describe a loss of bases.

Deletion mutation means a change in the DNA where one or more nucleotide bases are removed, so the original sequence is shortened and the genetic message is altered. The description that explicitly states a change in the base sequence of a gene resulting from the loss of one or more base pairs in the DNA matches this idea exactly, making it the best choice.

Substitution mutations involve replacing one base with another, not removing bases. Insertion mutations are the opposite—adding bases rather than removing them. A silent mutation is when a change does not affect the resulting protein, often due to the redundancy of the genetic code, and it does not describe a loss of bases.