Mutations effect on cellular function

[miasimeon]

So i understand that mutations change DNA which codes for proteins and therefore impacts protein synthesis. But do mutations affect cellular function in ways that is separate to protein synthesis? I know about the mutagens and different types e.g. point and location e.g. germline and coding and non-coding regions but not sure generally how mutations affect cellular function.

[darkz]

So i understand that mutations change DNA which codes for proteins and therefore impacts protein synthesis. But do mutations affect cellular function in ways that is separate to protein synthesis? I know about the mutagens and different types e.g. point and location e.g. germline and coding and non-coding regions but not sure generally how mutations affect cellular function.

Mutations are in essence, a product of the failure of DNA repair. i.e. our DNA is constantly changing, but repair enzymes are correcting the errors and therefore, only those which are not corrected remain as mutations. Not all mutations affect cellular function, as we have the redundancy of the genetic code, however in the event that a significant mutation occurs, e.g. a block mutation or a frameshift, then this would significantly affect cellular function. This is because if a frameshift occurs, then more than likely, the triplet will no longer correspond to its intended codon, and therefore the amino acid sequence will change, and a knockon effect will occur. The primary structure, secondary and tertiary structure may change. Therefore, if the protein is no longer the same functional 3D shape as before, this will affect its ability to function, and then key cellular processes may no longer occur.