Unit 5 Reflection

Unit 5 was all about mutations and how genes work. We learned how mutations could alter our genes. I felt like I understood how to translate the mRNA very well. The protein synthesis lab had helped me understand translating mRNA even more. It was fairly simple, but I did not really understand how it happened in real life. Translating the mRNA is a complicated process. Many parts are required for mRNA to be translated. Trying to label the diagram of it was quite difficult but doing so, I had learned a little more about the process of translating mRNA. We had also built a model of DNA in class. It helped me understand more of how the nitrogen bases and phosphates and sugars go together to create a functioning DNA.

When we were doing the DNA extraction lab, a lot of teamwork was required. I learned that you do not always get your way and a lot of the times, other people are right. Even so, it is okay to put in your ideas and thoughts because even if it is only a little bit, it could help a lot. Sometimes you are right, but sometimes you are not. Getting along with your teammates would also make the work go along a lot smoother.

Being a good student is about willing to learn more and trying your best to make that possible. It also means applying what you learned to your own life. Being a good student could mean many things depending on the way you view it.

Protein Synthesis Lab

A section of DNA (a gene) is copied by an enzyme. The copy that is produced is called messenger RNA (mRNA). RNA is different from DNA because uracil replaces thymine and RNA is single stranded. The mRNA leaves the nucleus and travels to the cytoplasm. Then, the mRNA bonds with a transfer RNA (tRNA), which will make protein. The ribosome reads the first three bases called a codon and it 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 and twists to become a protein.

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There are many different types of mutations. Deletion seemed to have the most effect on the protein. Insertion also affected the protein a lot, but not as much as deletion. Substitution had no affect of the protein at all. It does matter where the mutation occurs. It could end the protein making earlier even though there are more mRNA that needs to be translated, or it could not end at all even though there are no more mRNA to translate. If the T had been put later in the sequence, then the protein would have been longer if deletion happened. The protein might also have an end to it if insertion had happened.

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I had chosen deletion and I deleted two of the bases. The protein ended early with plenty of mRNA left to translate. There was another deletion in the end that did not have the chance to be translated so it did not affect the protein as much. It does matter where the mutation occurs. The mutation could have happened near the end of the sequence and could have ended the translating process later.

Proteins are very important to living things. If mutation happened, then some of the proteins may not be able to function properly, causing diseases. We would also not be able to get enough protein or too much protein. The Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is caused by defects in neuronal proteins. A person with that disease will suffer from progressive muscle and tissue loss and the loss of feeling in various parts of the body. Their feet will have a high arch and claw toes and not much muscle on it. Mutations can cause harmful and deadly diseases.

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DNA Extraction Lab

In this lab, we tried to find out if it was possible to extract DNA from the cheeks to study them. We found out that it was possible. There were three basic steps: homogenization, lysis, and precipitation. To get to the DNA, the cell's membrane and other nuclear material must be broken down first. This is possible by homogenizing the cell tissue with polar liquid. Then, soap is added to lyse the cell so that all of its contents are in the mixture. Catabolic protease, an enzyme that can be found in papayas, pineapple juice, meat tenderizers, and contact lens cleaners, can be used to break down histones the DNA wraps itself around. Finally, adding alcohol, which is nonpolar, the DNA will separate from the solution and come out as a precipitate. Cold alcohol will increase the precipitation. Then, the DNA can be extracted from the solution and be used to study.

(Photo is not mine :P)

Our data was unexpected because we did not know if we did everything in the right order. We had instructions that were out of order and we had to try to figure out the correct order. Even though we were not sure, we still successfully extracted DNA. In future labs like this, I would recommend that we do some research before actually doing the lab. Another error was that some of us (namely me) were not able to extract the DNA. It was not possible because we had not gotten enough cells from our cheeks. To prevent errors like this, I suggest that we follow instructions thoroughly and read them carefully.

This lab was done to demonstrate that it was possible to extract DNA. From this lab, I learned more about DNA which helps me understand the DNA structure better and how to break it down. Based on my experiences with this lab, I could extract DNA to study and try to find other ways to extract DNA from other parts of the body and see if they are different. This lab has helped me understand many different concepts and taught me new things.