<P> The basic procedure requires the synthesis of a short DNA primer . This synthetic primer contains the desired mutation and is complementary to the template DNA around the mutation site so it can hybridize with the DNA in the gene of interest . The mutation may be a single base change ( a point mutation ) , multiple base changes , deletion , or insertion . The single - strand primer is then extended using a DNA polymerase , which copies the rest of the gene . The gene thus copied contains the mutated site , and is then introduced into a host cell as a vector and cloned . Finally , mutants are selected by DNA sequencing to check that they contain the desired mutation . </P>
<P> The basic procedure requires the synthesis of a short DNA primer . This synthetic primer contains the desired mutation and is complementary to the template DNA around the mutation site so it can hybridize with the DNA in the gene of interest . The mutation may be a single base change ( a point mutation ) , multiple base changes , deletion , or insertion . The single - strand primer is then extended using a DNA polymerase , which copies the rest of the gene . The gene thus copied contains the mutated site , and is then introduced into a host cell as a vector and cloned . Finally , mutants are selected by DNA sequencing to check that they contain the desired mutation . </P>
site-directed mutagenesis relies on mut proteins to cause base replacements
site-directed mutagenesis relies on mut proteins to cause base replacements
deletion , or insertion
deletion , or insertion