What is the result of a translational error in protein synthesis?

A translational error in protein synthesis can lead to the production of a mutated enzyme. During the process of translation, the information encoded in mRNA is converted into a polypeptide chain, which eventually folds into a functional protein. If there is an error during this process—such as a misread codon or incorrect tRNA incorporation—it can result in one or more amino acids being substituted, deleted, or added in the wrong place within the protein sequence. This alteration can affect the protein’s structure and function, potentially causing it to become a mutated form of the enzyme.

Mutated enzymes may not function correctly or may have altered activity, which can influence cellular processes. In contrast, a correctly functioning protein would result from accurate translation without errors. The option indicating that no proteins are produced typically pertains to transcriptional issues rather than translational errors, while enhanced cellular function suggests a beneficial outcome that doesn’t align with the unpredictable consequences of a mutation from an error in translation.