Frameshift Mutation

Definition

A frameshift mutation is a type of genetic mutation where the addition or deletion of nucleotides changes the reading frame of the gene, altering the sequence of amino acids and potentially leading to nonfunctional proteins.

Related terms

Deletion Mutation:

This is when a section of DNA is lost, or deleted.

Insertion Mutation:

This occurs when extra DNA bases are inserted into a new place in the DNA.

Point Mutation:

A single base pair in DNA has been changed.