Lisäyspoisto

Lisäyspoisto, often translated as insertion-deletion or simply indel, is a type of genetic mutation where nucleotides are added to or removed from a DNA sequence. These changes can vary in length, from a single nucleotide to multiple base pairs. Indels are a common source of genetic variation and can arise spontaneously or be induced by environmental factors.

The consequences of an indel mutation depend heavily on its location and size. If an indel occurs within a gene and is not a multiple of three base pairs, it can cause a frameshift mutation. This means that the reading frame of the genetic code is altered, leading to the translation of a completely different sequence of amino acids downstream of the mutation. Frameshift mutations often result in non-functional proteins or premature termination of protein synthesis.

Indels that occur in non-coding regions of DNA can also have significant effects. They might alter gene regulation by affecting transcription factor binding sites or influencing the splicing of RNA. Larger indels can lead to the deletion or duplication of entire genes or regulatory elements, profoundly impacting cellular function and organismal traits.

The presence of indels is a major factor in evolutionary processes, contributing to the diversity of life. They are also implicated in various genetic disorders and diseases, including cystic fibrosis, certain types of cancer, and neurological conditions. Identifying and characterizing indels is therefore crucial for understanding both normal biological processes and the basis of disease.