Genetics: practice question

A Biochemistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Biochemistry · Genetics

Sample item

What is a mutation that changes one amino acid to another called?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Missense mutation

A missense mutation alters a codon so that a different amino acid is incorporated, with effects ranging from minor to severe.

Option by option

  • A. Nonsense mutation

    Nonsense creates a premature stop codon.

  • B. Frameshift mutation

    Frameshift changes the downstream reading frame.

  • C. Missense mutation (correct)

    Correct: missense changes the encoded amino acid.

  • D. Silent mutation

    Silent changes do not alter the amino acid.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Biochemistry questions

Questions about this Biochemistry question

What is the answer to this Biochemistry question?

The best answer is C, Missense mutation. A missense mutation alters a codon so that a different amino acid is incorporated, with effects ranging from minor to severe.

Why is "Nonsense mutation" not the answer?

Nonsense creates a premature stop codon.

Why is "Frameshift mutation" not the answer?

Frameshift changes the downstream reading frame.

Why is "Silent mutation" not the answer?

Silent changes do not alter the amino acid.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Genetics in Biochemistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: missense changes the encoded amino acid.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Genetics?

Build one table of enzyme deficiency, disease, inheritance and key finding, then revise it by spaced recall. Then use the flashcards and the other Biochemistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.