Question: How does a change in the sequence of DNA bases lead to the production of a different protein, and what could be the consequences of such a mutation?

Gliday Yuka answered on 16 Jul 2025:

A change in DNA bases messes with proteins, and what that means, simple. DNA is like a recipe book for making proteins, which do tons of jobs in your body, like building muscles or fighting germs.

The sequence of DNA bases (A, T, C, G) is like the recipe’s instructions, telling your cells how to string together amino acids to make a specific protein. If there’s a change, or mutation, in this sequence—like swapping one base for another (e.g., C to T)—it’s like misspelling a word in the recipe. This can lead to the wrong amino acid being added, changing the protein’s shape or function, or even stopping it from being made at all.

For example, a mutation in the hemoglobin gene can cause sickle cell anemia, where red blood cells become misshaped, leading to pain and tiredness because they can’t carry oxygen well.

Some mutations are harmless, but others can cause serious issues like genetic disorders or increase risks for diseases like cancer if they mess up proteins that control cell growth. So, a tiny DNA typo can have big consequences, from nothing, to major health challenges.