Which of the following defines a silent mutation?

Prepare for the VCE Biology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

A silent mutation is defined as a substitution in the DNA sequence that does not result in a change to the amino acid sequence of the resulting protein. This typically occurs due to the redundancy in the genetic code, where multiple codons can encode the same amino acid. For example, if a codon for an amino acid is altered to a different codon that still codes for that same amino acid, the overall protein structure and function remain unchanged, which is why it is termed "silent."

In contrast, the other options describe different types of mutations with notable impacts. Modifications that lead to different amino acids or cause early termination of translation lead to changes in protein structure and function, while alterations that disrupt the reading frame can lead to dramatic changes in the entire downstream protein sequence. These types of mutations can have significant effects on the organism, making silent mutations unique in their benign nature.

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