In fireflies (Photinus pyralis), the enzyme luciferase catalyses the bioluminescent reaction that produces light flashes used to attract mates.
Define the term gene mutation.
Explain how a mutation within the coding sequence of the luciferase gene (luclucluc) might have absolutely no effect on the primary structure of the translated luciferase polypeptide.
Conversely, explain how a different mutation in the luc luc\,luc gene could result in a non-functional luciferase enzyme, and explain how this would have a negative effect on the survival or reproductive success of the firefly.