How do mutations affect protein synthesis?

Mutations can significantly alter the process of protein synthesis by impacting the specific sequence of amino acids that make up a protein. When a mutation occurs in a DNA sequence, it can lead to a change in the corresponding mRNA sequence during transcription. This altered mRNA is then translated into an amino acid sequence during protein synthesis.

The sequence of amino acids is critical because it determines the protein's structure and function. A change in just one amino acid can lead to a protein that folds improperly, potentially losing its function or acquiring a new function. Therefore, the possibility of changing the amino acid sequence of a protein due to mutations is a crucial aspect of genetic variability and evolution, while also explaining how some mutations can lead to disease.

Other options suggest that mutations enhance protein function, have no effect, or only affect the amount of protein produced, which does not encompass the full variety of consequences that mutations can have on protein synthesis.