An insertion mutation usually causes more defects than a point mutation because insertion mutations?

An insertion mutation usually causes more defects than a point mutation because it adds extra nucleotides into the DNA sequence, potentially disrupting the reading frame of the gene. This frameshift can lead to the production of a completely different protein or a truncated protein, significantly altering its function. In contrast, point mutations typically affect only a single nucleotide and may result in a silent, missense, or nonsense mutation, often having less drastic effects on the protein's overall structure and function. Thus, the broader impact of insertion mutations can lead to more severe phenotypic consequences.