Mutations can really change how genes work. They affect two main processes called transcription and translation. Let’s break down how mutations can make a difference.

1. Types of Mutations:

   • Point mutations: These are tiny changes, like swapping just one base pair. This can lead to different results:
     • Silent mutation: no difference in the protein.
     • Missense mutation: one amino acid is changed.
     • Nonsense mutation: it creates a stop signal, ending the protein too soon.
   • Frameshift mutations: These happen when extra bases are added or taken away. This shifts everything over and can totally change the protein being made.

2. Effects on Transcription:

   • If there's a mutation in the promoter (the part that starts making mRNA), it can speed up or slow down how much mRNA is made.

3. Effects on Translation:

   • When the mRNA sequence changes because of mutations, it can confuse the tRNA (the molecule that helps read the mRNA and add the right amino acids). This can change the protein and sometimes make it not work at all.

In the end, mutations can do a few things: they can change nothing, improve how something works, or break it altogether. It’s pretty amazing to see how this all plays out in living things!