Is down syndrome a frame shift mutation?

Down syndrome is not a frameshift mutation.

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. When this extra material from chromosome 21 is expressed, it can disrupt normal development, causing a range of physical and intellectual disabilities. People with Down syndrome may have distinct facial features, intellectual disability, developmental delays, and an increased risk of certain medical conditions.

In contrast, a frameshift mutation is a type of genetic mutation that results in the addition or deletion of nucleotides from a gene, causing a shift in the reading frame of the genetic code. This can result in the production of a non-functional or truncated protein, as the sequence of codons is altered. Frameshift mutations can have varying effects on the individual, depending on the specific gene affected and the resulting protein.

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