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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