frameshift
Genetic code disruption
A frameshift is a genetic mutation in which the insertion or deletion of nucleotides shifts the reading frame of a DNA sequence, scrambling all subsequent codons.
Since genes are read in three-letter groups, adding or removing one or two nucleotides throws off the entire translation: The disease results from a frameshift mutation in the CFTR gene.
The term appears occasionally in figurative contexts for anything that fundamentally alters interpretation of what follows.
Placing something within
- deletionRemoval of content
- nucleotideGenetic code subunit
- codonBase triplet encoding amino
- base pairTwo matched nucleotides bonded
Written version of speech
- translationConverting between languages
- ribosomeProtein synthesis site
- mRNAGene's working copy
- tRNAAmino acid transporter molecule
amino acids · polypeptide · protein synthesis · anticodon · genetic code
DNA to functional product
- phenotypeObservable characteristics of organism
- genotypeOrganism's complete allele set
- allelesVariant forms of genes
- DNA sequencingReading nucleotide base order
sequencing · genome · exon · intron · gene therapy · CRISPR · genetic disorder · inherited disease
Meaningless words or actions
- point mutationSingle nucleotide change in DNA
- gain-of-functionAcquired new capability
- Tay-SachsInherited lysosomal storage disorder
- cystic fibrosisGenetic disorder thickening mucus
BRCA · tumor suppressor · oncogene · hereditary · germline · mutagenesis · carcinogenesis
Differential reproductive success
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- fitnessGood physical shape
- selection pressureForce favoring certain traits
- deleteriousCausing harm or damage
insertion
Placing something within
- deletionRemoval of content
- nucleotideGenetic code subunit
- codonBase triplet encoding amino
transcription
Written version of speech
- translationConverting between languages
- ribosomeProtein synthesis site
- mRNAGene's working copy
tRNA · amino acids · polypeptide · protein synthesis · anticodon · genetic code
gene expression
DNA to functional product
- phenotypeObservable characteristics of organism
- genotypeOrganism's complete allele set
- allelesVariant forms of genes
DNA sequencing · sequencing · genome · exon · intron · gene therapy · CRISPR · genetic disorder · inherited disease · carrier
nonsense
Meaningless words or actions
- point mutationSingle nucleotide change in DNA
- gain-of-functionAcquired new capability
- Tay-SachsInherited lysosomal storage disorder
cystic fibrosis · BRCA · tumor suppressor · oncogene · hereditary · germline · mutagenesis · carcinogenesis
natural selection
Differential reproductive success
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- fitnessGood physical shape
- selection pressureForce favoring certain traits
frameshiftpoint mutation
Single nucleotide change in DNA
missense mutation · transition · substitution · nonsense mutation
- frameshift mutationBase addition or loss misaligns codons