What level of genetic mutation occurs if the change occurs in a single nucleotide?

What level of genetic mutation occurs if the change occurs in a single nucleotide?

• A. Chromosomal mutation
• B. Point mutation
• C. Segmental duplication
• D. Translocation

Answer: (B)

A change that occurs in a single nucleotide is classified as a point mutation. This type of mutation can alter one base pair in the DNA sequence, potentially leading to changes in the resulting protein if it occurs within a coding region. Point mutations can include substitutions, insertions, or deletions of a single nucleotide. In contrast, chromosomal mutations involve larger structural alterations in chromosomes, such as duplications or deletions of entire sections of DNA. Segmental duplication refers specifically to instances where a segment of DNA is duplicated within the genome, affecting larger regions than just a single nucleotide. Translocation involves the movement of a chromosome segment to a new location, which can disrupt gene function but is also not limited to individual nucleotides. Therefore, point mutation is the correct classification for mutations that affect only a single nucleotide.

A change that occurs in a single nucleotide is classified as a point mutation. This type of mutation can alter one base pair in the DNA sequence, potentially leading to changes in the resulting protein if it occurs within a coding region. Point mutations can include substitutions, insertions, or deletions of a single nucleotide.

In contrast, chromosomal mutations involve larger structural alterations in chromosomes, such as duplications or deletions of entire sections of DNA. Segmental duplication refers specifically to instances where a segment of DNA is duplicated within the genome, affecting larger regions than just a single nucleotide. Translocation involves the movement of a chromosome segment to a new location, which can disrupt gene function but is also not limited to individual nucleotides. Therefore, point mutation is the correct classification for mutations that affect only a single nucleotide.