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.