Induction of transition mutations by spontaneous tautomeric shifts

    In the original double-stranded DNA molecule, A in the standard (amino) form pairs with T. During replication, the two strands separate. In the upper diagram, T pairs with A as usual, which replicates the wild-type sequence. In the lower diagram, A has undergone a tautomeric shift to the non-standard (imino) form A', which pairs with C. In the next round of replication, the imino A' shifts back to the amino A form, which pairs with T, which again reproduces the wild-type sequence. Replication of the other strand pairs C with G. By comparison with the original molecule, the result is a  T C mutation. A tautomeric shift in one strand has produced a  transition mutation in the complementary strand. If the mutation occurs in the germline, it will be transmitted to future generations.

    IMPORTANT: a tautomeric shift is not a mutation, but a transient proton shift to an alternative form of a base, which results in a mutation.


HOMEWORK: Based on this diagram, demonstrate that the tautomeric shifts of the other three bases also produce transition mutations.


All text material © 2025 by Steven M. Carr