Loss-Of-Function Mutations

Question

Loss-of-function mutations
A)cause the production of proteins that are active in inappropriate circumstances.
B)will usually show a phenotype when heterozygous.
C)are only present in a population at barely detectable levels.
D)are usually recessive.

Accepted Answer

Loss-of-function mutations are mutations that cause the protein to lose its function. It means that the protein cannot carry out its normal biological function. These mutations are usually recessive because one functional copy of the gene is enough to produce the protein at a normal level and provide its function. The loss of one copy of the gene does not cause any significant effect on the phenotype, but the loss of both copies will result in a phenotype.