Based on the data, which of the following would be the most likely effect of a mutation that introduces a premature stop codon into a gene?

Core Concept

The introduction of a premature stop codon into a gene would most likely result in a nonfunctional protein product. This is because the premature stop codon would cause the ribosome to terminate protein synthesis prematurely, resulting in a truncated protein that is unlikely to be functional. The other options are incorrect: a premature stop codon would not increase expression of the gene, decrease expression of the gene, or increase stability of the protein.