What is the term for a mutation that results from the loss of one or more base pairs in the DNA sequence?

A deletion mutation is characterized by the loss of one or more base pairs in the DNA sequence. This type of mutation alters the structure of the DNA, which can lead to significant changes in the resulting protein, as the reading frame of the DNA sequence can be disrupted. This disruption often results in the synthesis of a truncated protein or a completely different protein, depending on the location and extent of the deletion.

In contrast, substitutions involve swapping one base pair for another, which may or may not affect the overall protein depending on whether the change results in a codon that codes for a different amino acid. Frameshift mutations can occur as a result of deletions (but not exclusively) and are characterized by shifts in the reading frame of the genetic code, which is often a consequence of deletions or insertions. Gene flow is unrelated to mutations; it refers to the transfer of genetic material between populations. The selection of the term deletion mutation highlights the specific nature of the alteration in the DNA structure.