Final answer:
A mutation in an mRNA intron could lead to alternative splicing, resulting in the production of a defective protein or a protein with altered function. This effect is transient, affecting only the proteins produced by that specific mRNA strand until it deteriorates, unlike a permanent DNA mutation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A mutation in the intron of the mRNA could affect the production of the corresponding protein in several ways. Typically, introns are non-coding regions that get removed during the splicing process of mRNA. However, certain mutations, such as a transversion mutation, could lead to alternative splicing events.
Alternative splicing can result in the removal or retention of different exons, potentially producing a protein with a different function, or a defective protein. If the mutation affects the splicing recognition sites, it could cause introns to be incorrectly retained or exons to be erroneously removed. Since alternative splicing is a common cause of genetic diseases, a mutation in an intron could have a significant effect on the resulting protein's function, potentially leading to disease.
It is also important to note that a mutation in the mRNA will affect only the proteins made from that specific mRNA strand. As mRNA degrades over time, the production of defective proteins will cease, unlike a DNA mutation, which if uncorrected, can be permanent and continually affect protein production.