Loss of Function Mutations

Loss of function mutations inactivate the resulting protein or can prevent the protein from being made. The function of the protein is lost. These mutations are usually recessive and this is because the organism still retains one functional copy on the other chromosome. Loss of function mutations may be dominant if the organism is unable to solve this loss by using the other gene copy. These are the result of gene products having less or no function. The recessive allele is related to loss of function mutation. When an allele’s function is completely lost it is called an amorphic mutation. Phenotypes associated with amorphic mutations are recessive.

References:

1) Biology. Seventh Edition, Neil A. Campbell and Jane B. Reece. Pearson Eduction Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings, 1301 Sansome St., San Franscisco, CA

2) Biology. Peter H. Raven, George B. Johnson, Susan Singer, Jonathan Losos. McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math; 7 edition (January 8, 2004)

3) DNA Science: A First Course, Second Edition. David A. Micklos. Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory Press; 2 edition (January 8, 2003)