What is the typical consequence of a frameshift mutation?

A frameshift mutation occurs when nucleotides are inserted into or deleted from the DNA sequence but are not in multiples of three. This alters the reading frame of the codons during translation, leading to significant changes in the produced protein. As a direct consequence of this shift, the protein can be truncated, often resulting in a premature stop codon. The appearance of a stop codon means that the translation process halts unexpectedly, which usually leads to a nonfunctional or severely impaired protein.

In contrast, enhanced gene expression, rearranged chromosomal structures, and increased protein binding do not directly result from frameshift mutations. The primary and most immediate impact of such a mutation is the alteration of the amino acid sequence following the mutation, leading most commonly to the formation of a premature stop codon and potentially a nonfunctional protein product. This sequence of events underscores the impact frameshift mutations can have on genetic outcomes and protein function.