University of North Carolina BIO 101 Flow of Genetic information II 1)Mutations can occur during DNA replication, before a cell divides

University of North Carolina

BIO 101

Flow of Genetic information II

1)Mutations can occur during DNA replication, before a cell divides. Define mutation.

 

2. What is the consequence of a single nucleotide substitution in the DNA of a gene?

 

3. Contrast this with a single nucleotide insertion or deletion in the DNA of a gene.

 

4. How can a single nucleotide result in a shortened protein product?

 

5. Compare different changes at the DNA level that affect primary structure of a protein.

 

Use this DNA sequence and make three different types of mutations by illustrating what the mRNA and protein would look like if you mutated a DNA sequence (you design the DNA template strand).

 

 

 

6. What are some mutagens that can damage DNA?

7. How do mutations relate to evolution?

Go to : http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/gene-for-fish-odor.html Listen to the story and answer these questions:

1. What is trimethylaminurea (TMAU) disorder ?

2. The gene that is mutated in the disease codes for a protein with what kind of function?

3. In what secretions will the odor be found?

4. Why did the gene test to confirm the diagnosis of TMAU in Graham provide hope and then disappointment?

5. What is the problem with research dollars and really rare (or non-life threatening) disorders?

6. Graham finds out that he has passed the gene onto his daughter. Think about if you knew you had inherited a gene like this but had not yet showed symptoms. What is the dilemma with knowing this?

7. What about if you might have inherited a gene related to dementia—would you want to know?