Essays on Amino Acid Sequence

Introduction

We’ve learned that DNA is the genetic material that organisms inherit from their parents, but have you ever thought about what exactly this DNA encodes for? How do our cells use DNA as a set of instructions for life? How is the information in our DNA/genes used by our bodies? And what happens when the DNA is mutated or not used properly?

Materials

DNA sequence Computer with an internet connection Procedure Obtain your DNA sequence from your teacher. It will be emailed to you at the beginning of the week.

Convert your DNA sequence into a complementary mRNA sequence.

EXAMPLE: DNA: T A C G G C T ...

Final Test

Explain in general terms the process of DNA replication. The replication of the DNA starts when the double helix unwinds. Each of the two strands serves as the template using which the new DNA double helix strands are formed. The different bases on each of the two strands are then matched in order to form a new set of two strands. Each of the new strands partners with the parent strand to form a double helix (Roth 26).

Prophase – Chromatids are joined at the centromere. Spindle formation occurs. The separation of centrioles occurs in animal cells (Tobin and Jennie ...

Part I

Original DNA Strand:

3’-TACCCTTTAGTAGCCACT-5’

Transcription (base sequence of RNA):

5’-UTGGGUUUTCUTCGGTGU-3’

Translation (amino acid sequence):

3’-TACCCTTTAGTAGCCACT-5’

What is the significance of the first and last codons?

Explanation: The first and last codons are very essential in that they dictate and command the direction of the transcription and synthesis of mRNA from the 5’ end towards the 3’ ends. Additionally, the first and last codons act like terminal points where protein synthesis begins and where it actually ends hence these codons actually determine the size of the animo acids produced which determine the type of and size of protein synthesized (Hartl, 2011).

What meaning do these codons have for protein synthesis?

Explanation: These codons are ...