Mutations are like surprising twists in the story of our DNA!

They can happen for different reasons. Sometimes it's because of things in the environment, and other times it's just a mistake when DNA makes a copy of itself.

When we look at how mutations affect proteins, we need to remember that proteins are made of strings of amino acids. The instructions for making these proteins come from our genes.

Here’s how mutations can shake things up:

1. Types of Mutations:

   • Substitutions: This is when one letter in the DNA code is switched for another one. Sometimes, this doesn’t change much. But other times, it can swap out an entire amino acid in the protein.
   • Insertions/Deletions: This is when letters are added or taken away. This can change how we read the code, which might alter the entire protein. It’s like messing up a sentence by missing a word!

2. Effects on Protein Function:

   • Neutral: Some mutations don’t change how a protein works at all.
   • Beneficial: Sometimes, a mutation can make a protein work better, helping the organism to adapt.
   • Harmful: Many times, a mutation can create a faulty protein that can lead to diseases.

3. Genetic Outcomes: These changes can affect traits and health, showing how important proteins are for our bodies.

The effects of mutations show us how delicate genetics can be. Even small changes can have big impacts on living things!