Point Mutation

Loading image...

A gene mutation caused by a change in a single DNA base pair

Real World Example

Imagine you're typing a text message, and you accidentally hit the wrong key, changing the word "cat" to "bat." This small mistake in typing is similar to a point mutation, where a single base pair in the DNA sequence is altered. Just as a single letter change can completely alter the meaning of a word in your text, altering a single base pair can change the function of a gene, sometimes leading to significant biological effects.

Practice Version

Loading image...