Download rnalabreport_1

RNA Lab Report
If a codon is mutated, say from GGU to CGU, is the same amino acid specified? _______
Using information from the course and online research, answer the questions.
Searching Websites:
Conduct a keyword search to find websites. To begin a keyword search, start by searching broad terms
such as RNA, transcription, translation, or the scientist’s name. The resulting list of websites can give you
a lot of information, but how do you know if it is reliable? Some basic guidelines can help you when you
open a website and try to determine its reliability.
Always consider a site's:





Objectivity - Excessive expressions of emotion, opinions, and stereotyping are tip-offs that the
information on a site may be biased.
Ownership and contributors - Go to the Home or About page of the website and find out who
sponsors and writes for the site. Look for contributors who have reliable credentials, such as
"Harvey Jones, Professor, University of Wisconsin—Madison."
Writing style and mechanics - Check the grammar, spelling, and writing style on the site. Errors
and awkwardness are signs of a nonprofessional website.
Currency - Look for publication or copyright dates associated with the site; the more current the
better.
Links - What links does the site contain? A reliable website will offer links to other reliable
websites, not to "junk" sites.
Keyword Search: RNA, transcription, translation, or the scientist’s name.
Scientific Analysis:
1. Scientists use observations and inferences for many discoveries and conclusions in genetics. What is
the difference between an observation and an inference? Give an example of each.
2. If DNA from a cell is placed in a test tube containing the enzyme DNA polymerase and nucleotides, the
result is new copies of the original DNA. This evidence was used to understand DNA replication (DNA
passing information from one generation to the next). Write an explanation detailing why this clue
represents solid data and is not an opinion or an inference.
3. In your own words, describe Crick's Central Dogma. Explain why this is an inference.
© KC Distance Learning
Scientific Contributions
There were many scientists that contributed to decoding the genetic code. Explore the contributions of
some scientists.
4. Describe Marshall Nirenberg's contribution to determining the role of RNA in genetics.
5. Describe how Seymour Benzer's phage experiments contributed to deciphering the genetic code.
6. Describe Seymour Brenner's contribution to cracking the genetic code with respect to translation.
© KC Distance Learning
Replication, Transcription, and Translation
Place an x in the box for which process each item is a characteristic.
Replication
Characteristic
Transcription Translation
1. RNA polymerase unwinds the DNA double
helix.
2. This is the first part of protein synthesis.
3. After the stop codon is reached, the protein
is separated from the ribosome.
4. Amino acids sequences are made from
RNA sequences.
5. A copy of RNA is made from DNA.
6. Peptide bonds form between amino acids.
7. Uracil hydrogen bonds with adenine.
8. tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosome.
9. Copies of the original DNA are made.
10. Thymine hydrogen bonds with adenine.
7. Use the table and your research to compare and contrast transcription and translation.
8. In your own words, explain the function of mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.
9. Use the codon chart to convert this sequence into an amino acid:
UCU-CGA-GCC-GUU-GGG-UGA
10. Explain why an mRNA strand composed of only uracil nucleotides (UUUUUUUUUU) did conclusively
prove that the DNA code was a triplet code.
© KC Distance Learning
11. How could this mRNA sequence support a triplet code? ACACACACACAC
12. List the steps involved in protein synthesis, beginning with the DNA code in the nucleus and ending
with a polypeptide. Try to explain it in 10 steps.
13. A mutation in a codon may not result in a change of an amino acid in the protein sequence. Explain
why, using the genetic code chart to give an example.
© KC Distance Learning