Insertion mutation is defined as a DNA base is inserted into the strand of DNA. Which option best represents this definition?

Insertion mutation is defined as a DNA base is inserted into the strand of DNA. Which option best represents this definition?

• A. DNA base is inserted into the strand of DNA
• B. DNA base is deleted
• C. A single base replaced
• D. A segment translocated

Answer: (A)

Insertion mutations add one or more nucleotides into the DNA sequence, increasing its length. The description “DNA base is inserted into the strand of DNA” directly matches that idea, making it the best representation. Deletion describes removing a base, not adding. Replacing a single base is a substitution, where one base is swapped for another. Moving a segment to a new location is a translocation, not an insertion. Keep in mind that insertions can shift the reading frame if the added bases aren’t a multiple of three, potentially altering downstream amino acids.

Insertion mutations add one or more nucleotides into the DNA sequence, increasing its length. The description “DNA base is inserted into the strand of DNA” directly matches that idea, making it the best representation. Deletion describes removing a base, not adding. Replacing a single base is a substitution, where one base is swapped for another. Moving a segment to a new location is a translocation, not an insertion. Keep in mind that insertions can shift the reading frame if the added bases aren’t a multiple of three, potentially altering downstream amino acids.