Which of the following mutations may affect gene expression?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 2 Biology test with genetics modules. Study with interactive quizzes and insightful explanations to boost your exam readiness. Excel in your assessment with confidence and clarity!

All types of mutations can potentially affect gene expression in various ways.

Insertion mutations involve the addition of one or more nucleotide bases into a DNA sequence. This can disrupt the reading frame during translation, potentially leading to a completely different and nonfunctional protein. If the insertion occurs in a regulatory region, it might alter how readily the gene is expressed.

Substitution mutations involve replacing one nucleotide with another. While some substitutions may be silent and have no effect on protein function, others can lead to missense or nonsense mutations. A missense mutation causes a change in one amino acid, which might impact protein function or stability, while a nonsense mutation introduces a premature stop codon, leading to truncated proteins that are often nonfunctional.

Translocation mutations, where segments of DNA are moved from one location to another within the genome, can disrupt gene sequences or regulatory elements. This can lead to altered expression of the affected genes. Furthermore, translocations can result in fusion genes that may be expressed at inappropriate levels or under incorrect regulatory conditions.

Given these mechanisms, it's evident that any of these mutations—insertions, substitutions, and translocations—can significantly influence gene expression, making the comprehensive option the correct choice.

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