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Amino Acid Substitution

Meaning

A change in the genetic code that results in a different amino acid being incorporated into a growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis. This fundamental molecular event represents a type of point mutation, often leading to an altered protein structure and subsequent functional changes within the endocrine system or other physiological pathways. Understanding this substitution is crucial because the resulting protein, such as a hormone receptor or an enzyme, may exhibit altered binding affinity or catalytic activity, directly impacting hormonal balance and cellular signaling.