Unit 5 Reflection

Unit 5 Reflection

          In this unit, we learned about the different types and factors of mutations. Since mutations are something that really fascinate and intrigue me, I was able to keep up with this unit very well. The themes and essential understandings were mainly about the causes and effects of mutations and why the appropriate characteristics develop only in the appropriate organs at the appropriate time. Some of the causes of mutations can be by environmental factors such as UV rays from the sun, and most mutations either have a very small effect or no noticeable effect at all. Because of gene regulation, we have a control and or balance of characteristics where we need them. Understanding mutations and their effects were a part of my strengths during this unit and trying to understand gene regulation and the lac operon were my weaknesses. 

          I grew as a student during this unit by learning how not all mutations are deadly and cause diseases, but also understanding that most of the time that is the case. I also found it very interesting that gene regulation is the reason why we don't have four ears or six eyes. Overall, this unit, to me, was incredibly fascinating. Mutations are something I find grasping. 

Protein Synthesis Lab

Protein Synthesis Lab

           1.  There are 8 required steps when making a protein. During transcription, the first step occurs when a section of DNA, known as a gene, is copied by an enzyme. The copy that is produced is called messenger RNA or mRNA for short. RNA is different from DNA because uracil replaces thymine, and RNA is single stranded. The mRNA then leaves the nucleus and travels to the cytoplasm. The next step begins translation, where the mRNA bonds with a ribosome, which will make a protein. The ribosome reads the first three bases called a codon, and determines which amino acid corresponds with that sequence. Each amino acid that is added is determined by the codon read by the ribosome. Amino acids are bonded together, and when the mRNA is done being translated the amino acid chain folds up to become a protein. 

         

          2.  Throughout the several different types of mutations I tested, I concluded that deletion had the greatest effect on proteins and substitution had the least effect on proteins. No, it doesn't matter where the mutation occurs, since the amount of effect will still remain the same. The only way this would be different if the T was near the end is that it would change an amino acid.

"Types of Mutations." Types of Mutations. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2016.

          3.  I chose deletion because it has the greatest effect on proteins. This mutation had a greater effect because it deleted a letter in the sequence without replacing it with anything, therefore completely altering the amino acids in the sequence. It doesn't matter where the mutation occurs, since it will effect the protein greatly without needing a specific location. 

          4.  An example of a mutation that could affect your life is sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to become deformed and form a sickle shape, which then clogs blood vessels, can slow or block blood flow throughout your body.

DNA Extraction Lab

DNA Extraction Lab

          In this lab, we asked the question, "Can DNA be extracted from cheek cells, and if so, at what point do you predict you will be able to see the DNA?" To answer this, I said yes, DNA can be extracted from cheek cells because our skin cells have our DNA in them. We found that we would be able to see the DNA after adding the detergent, salt, and pineapple juice to the gatorade mixture and after carefully placing alcohol on top of it. The DNA fell out of the solution as the alcohol was added because the alcohol is nonpolar and the DNA is polar. My hypothesis was "If DNA is in our skin cells, then we will be able to separate DNA from our cheek cells." 

        One of the errors we encountered in this lab was an issue with the lids falling inside of the test tube, rather than closing the test tube. Because of this, we weren't able to effectively shake the mixture we had created with the gatorade, salt, detergent, and pineapple juice. One recommendation I have for anyone conducting this experiment is to be sure to use a cap that fits the right test tube, otherwise, the experiment will most likely turn out wrong for that person. 

       The DNA extraction protocol involved three steps: homogenization, lysis, and precipitation. We used the gatorade to homogenize the cell tissue in our cheeks. We then added soap to lyse the cell membranes and to emulsify the lipids and proteins of the cell. This disrupts the polar interactions that hold the cell membrane together. We then added pineapple juice as a catabolic protease to further break down any proteins called histones that the DNA molecule wraps itself around. 95% isopropanol alcohol was then layered on top of the mixture. Since the alcohol is nonpolar and the DNA is polar, the DNA falls out of the solution as a precipitate right at the interface of the two solutions. The DNA can then be pulled up from the alcohol layer and then collected with a transfer pipette. This lab was important in understanding biological concepts by demonstrating what it means to homogenize a mixture, and what lysis and precipitation mean.