1. A mutation in which nucleotides are inserted into or deleted from a DNA sequence, causing a shift in the reading frame and typically resulting in a nonfunctional protein.
Usage: genetics; molecular biology

1. Relating to or caused by a frameshift mutation.
Usage: genetics; molecular biology

Examples

• A frameshift mutation can occur when a single nucleotide is inserted or deleted from the DNA sequence.
• The frameshift error in the gene resulted in the production of an abnormal, truncated protein.
• Frameshift mutations are often more damaging than point mutations because they alter all downstream codons.
• Scientists identified a frameshift deletion that was responsible for the patient's genetic disorder.
• The frameshift effect caused a complete loss of protein function in the affected cells.