Definition of Dominant Negative Mutation



A dominant-negative mutation is a type of mutation whose gene product affects the normal, wild-type gene product in a harmful and negative manner. This happens when the gene product still has the ability to interact with those elements that normally affect the wild-type product. The negative mutation blocks some of the functions of these elements too.

 


Example of Dominant Negative Mutation:

The mutation that has occurred in the transcription factor removes that domain from it which is responsible for the activation process, but it still has an activated DNA binding domain. This would result in reduced levels of gene activation as the gene product blocks the wild-type transcription factor.

 

View More Genetics Definitions