A frameshift mutation (also called a frameshift or a framing error) is a genetic mutation that inserts or deletes a number of nucleotides that is not evenly divisible by three from a DNA sequence. Due to the triplet nature of gene expression by codons, the insertion or deletion can disrupt the reading frame, or the grouping of the codons, resulting in a completely different translation from the original. The earlier in the gene the deletion or insertion occurs, the more altered the gene product is. Genetics (from the Greek genno γεννώ= give birth) is the science of genes, heredity, and the variation of organisms. ... In biology, mutations are changes to the genetic material (either DNA or RNA). ... One or more bases added to DNA base sequence, alters the framing of codons Category: Science stubs ... A gene deletion, or deletion mutation is a genetic mutation in which a part of a chromosome or a sequence of DNA is missing. ... A nucleotide is a chemical compound that consists of a heterocyclic base, a sugar, and one or more phosphate groups. ... The general structure of a section of DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions for the biological development of a cellular form of life or a virus. ... Gene expression, or simply expression, is the process by which a genes DNA sequence is converted into the structures and functions of a cell. ... RNA codons. ... A gene deletion, or deletion mutation is a genetic mutation in which a part of a chromosome or a sequence of DNA is missing. ... In biology, a reading frame is a contiguous and non-overlapping set of three-nucleotide codons in DNA or RNA. There are 3 possible reading frames in a strand. ... Translation is the second process of protein biosynthesis (part of the overall process of gene expression). ... One or more bases added to DNA base sequence, alters the framing of codons Category: Science stubs ...

A frameshift mutation causes the reading of codons to be different, so all codons after the mutation (with a few exceptions due to redundancy) will code for different amino acids. Furthermore, the stop codon "UAA, UGA, or UAG" will not be read, or a stop codon could be created at an earlier site. The protein being created could be abnormally short, abnormally long, and/or contain the wrong amino acids. It will most likely not be functional.

Frameshift mutations frequently result in severe genetic diseases. A frameshift mutation is responsible for the disabling of the CCR5 HIV receptor and some types of familial hypercholesterolemia (Lewis, 2005, p. 227-228). CCR5, short for chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5, is a chemokine receptor. ... Hypercholesterolemia (literally: high blood cholesterol) is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood. ...

Reference

Lewis R. 2005. Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications, 6th Ed. McGraw Hill, New York.