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A missense mutation is a type of gene mutation where a single base pair change in the DNA sequence alters a codon. This alteration results in a different amino acid being incorporated into the protein during translation.123

These mutations can lead to changes in the protein's structure and function, potentially causing a loss of function or altered activity. Missense mutations are a subset of point mutations, which involve a change in a single nucleotide pair. While most missense mutations occur spontaneously due to errors in DNA replication, they can also be induced by environmental factors like radiation.12

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