Frameshift mutation (illustration). This type of mutation occurs when the addition or loss of DNA bases changes a geneâs reading frame. A reading frame consists of groups of 3 bases that each code for one amino acid. A frameshift mutation shifts the grouping of these bases and changes the code for amino acids.
Key points. 1  Soil fertility depends on three major interacting components: biological, chemical and physical fertility. 2  Soil organisms improve soil fertility by performing a number of functions that are beneficial for plants. This article examines six of these functions. Some management practices may help improve and maintain the biological fertility of soil. Releasing nutrients from organic matter. Soil microorganisms (figure 1) are responsible for most of the nutrient release from organic matter. When microorganisms decompose organic matter, they use the carbon and nutrients in the organic matter for their own growth. They release excess nutrients into the soil where they can be taken up by plants.
Microbes include fungi, bacteria and viruses. Farmers and ranchers often think of microbes as pests that are destructive to their crops or animals (as well as themselves), but many microbes are beneficial.