Point mutation

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A point mutation is the most limited type of mutation, whereby a single base nucleotide is replaced with another nucleotide. Sometimes the expression "point mutation" can also include the addition or subtraction of a single base pair.

The sickle-cell disease is caused by a single point mutation in the beta hemoglobin gene, whereby a GAG codon is converted into GTG. The GTG then mistakenly encodes the amino acid valine instead of glutamic acid.