What part of the genome is changed when mutations occur?

Answer 1

It depends on the mutation. Most mutations occur in the codon sequence. The three codons make an amino acid which in turn will help make a protein. So, I believe it is the codon sequence of the DNA.

Answer 2

The area where the mutation occurs.

If a mutation occurs in the DNA of an organism - it is THAT part of the genome that is changed. Usually one or two base pairs of the DNA. If the base pair is changed, there may be little or no change to the protein for which the gene codes.

If there is a deletion of a base pair, the code for the protein can be changed drastically. Most often this results in a nonfunctioning or dysfunctioning protein. If the mutation occurs in one cell, the body can detect it and cause the cell to die. In most cases this has little effect (there is usually another copy of the gene on the other chromosome - we get two sets - smart, huh?) but sometimes this can lead to drastic genetic diseases.

There is a lot of "junk DNA" which does not seem to code for proteins. It is thought that mutations in these regions do not have any particular effect, although this is not fully elucidated.

Answer 3

Any part where it occurs. Mutations can occur anywhere in the genome, but they're only prejudicial if they occur in a codifying region, a gene.

Answer 4

DNA