Question

A medical test indicates that a patient has a defective protein. This condition is most

likely due to a change in the directions coded in the:

Answer 1

The change in the mRNA is most likely responsible for the defective protein in the patient. Even a small change in the gene can result in a different amino acid being added to the protein, causing a change in protein structure and function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The change in the directions coded in the mRNA is most likely responsible for the defective protein in the patient.

The unique primary sequence of every protein is determined by the gene that encodes it. Even a small change in the gene can result in a different amino acid being added to the protein, causing a change in protein structure and function.

For example, in sickle cell anemia, a single amino acid substitution in the hemoglobin gene leads to the production of an abnormal hemoglobin protein, causing the disease.