Nonsense mutation

A nonsense mutation is a change in a gene's DNA sequence that causes the production of a shortened, and usually nonfunctional, protein. This happens when the mutation introduces a premature stop signal (or "stop codon") into the genetic code, telling the cell to stop building the protein earlier than it should. As a result, the protein may be incomplete and unable to perform its normal functions, which can lead to various health problems or affect how the body develops and functions.