Q. One characteristic of the DNA molecule is its replication capability. What are the consequences of failures during the DNA replication? Ideally the DNA molecule should replicate in a perfect way. Sometimes though failures in the duplication occur, with alteration (addition or substitution, deletion) of one or more nucleotides in the molecule.
Those mistakes, or mutations, therefore make alteration in the protein synthesis process too. For example, the production of an important protein for tissues or cells may be suppressed; new inutile or utile proteins can be created, etc. The mistake in the DNA duplication and the resulting production of altered genetic material are some of the major creative forces for the biological evolution and the variety of species.