What is the primary effect of a frameshift mutation on a protein?

A frameshift mutation results from the insertion or deletion of nucleotides in a DNA sequence that shifts the reading frame of the genetic code. This shift can have a dramatic impact on the protein that is synthesized because it changes how subsequent codons are read by the ribosome during translation. As a consequence, not only may the original amino acids encoded by the gene be altered, but this alteration can also affect all downstream amino acids. This can lead to a completely different sequence of amino acids, potentially resulting in the loss of normal protein function or the production of a non-functional protein.

The significance of this mutation type lies in its ability to completely alter the protein's primary structure, which can lead to drastic changes in the protein's shape and functionality, often with severe biological consequences. Therefore, understanding the impact of a frameshift mutation is crucial in genetics and can provide insight into various genetic disorders caused by such mutations.