What is difference between point mutations and frameshift mutations?

Mutations are changes in the genetic code. DNA holds the genetic code. Nucleotides make up DNA. Therefore, mutations change the order and/or the number of nucleotides changes within DNA. If the codons on the complementary mRNA strand that is created during transcription do not code for the same amino acids that are brought over during translation, then mutations can change the structure and function of the protein produced. However, some mutations are unnoticed because the altered and original nucleotide...

Mutations are changes in the genetic code. DNA holds the genetic code. Nucleotides make up DNA. Therefore, mutations change the order and/or the number of nucleotides changes within DNA. If the codons on the complementary mRNA strand that is created during transcription do not code for the same amino acids that are brought over during translation, then mutations can change the structure and function of the protein produced. However, some mutations are unnoticed because the altered and original nucleotide sequences both code for the same amino acid(s). In this case, no changes would occur to the protein produced.

In a point mutation, one nucleotide is swapped out for another. Therefore, the mutation occurs at a single point or location within the DNA strand. Point mutations usually only affect the codon that contains the altered nucleotide.

Frameshift mutations are due to either insertions or deletions of nucleotides. This causes the entire DNA strand to elongate or to shrink in size. Thus, frameshift mutations may alter all of the codons that occur after the deletion or insertion. Therefore, frameshift mutations tend to be more detrimental than point mutations.