Download Virtual Lab

Name:_________________________________________ Date:________________ Per:_______
DNA Mutations Virtual Lab: 55 Points
DUE: ___________________________________________
Background: Mutations involve a physical change to genetic material that results in the
abnormal encoding of protein sequences. The impact of these changes can be
insignificant or devastating.
In this lab, you will complete mRNA and protein sequences based on the information
provided. You will be given a starting mRNA sequence, its associated amino acids, and
a mutation rule. Use these to construct the mutated mRNA sequence. Compare the
original and mutated sequences to see the impact of the mutation.
There are several types of mutations:
1. FRAMESHIFT, meaning the reading “frame” changes, changing the amino acid
sequence. There are two types:
DELETION (a base is lost)
INSERTION (an extra base is inserted)
2. POINT, a single base is changed, which can cause a change in the amino acid.
This is known as:
SUBSTITUTION (one base is substituted for another)
If a substitution changes the amino acid, it’s called a MISSENSE mutation
If a substitution does not change the amino acid, it’s called a SILENT
mutation.
If a substitution changes the amino acid to a “stop,” it’s called a NONSENSE
mutation.
Procedure:
Step 1 – Google “glencoe dna mutations virtual lab” and click the first link.
Step 2 – Click the Mutate Button to see a sequence and a mutation rule. BE SURE
YOU ARE GIVEN THE ORIGINAL SEQUENCE. If not, click “mutate” until you have an
original sequence.
Step 3 – Read and apply the mutation rule to the original sequence to determine the
mutated sequence. Construct the mutated sequence by dragging nucleotides and
amino acids to their new locations. Use the information on your codon chart to identify
the amino acids associated with the mutated mRNA sequence. Click a nucleotide or
amino acid to remove it.
Step 4 – Click “check” to check your answer to be sure it is correct. Fill in Data Table 1.
Step 5 – Click the Mutate Button again to generate another sequence and complete
steps 1-3 again. Fill in Data Table 2. Answer the analysis questions.
Name:_________________________________________ Date:________________ Per:_______
Data Table 1: 16 pts
Original mRNA
Sequence
Original Amino
Acid Sequence
Mutated mRNA
Sequence
Mutated Amino
Acid Sequence
Data Table 2: 16pts
Original mRNA
Sequence
Original Amino
Acid Sequence
Mutated mRNA
Sequence
Mutated Amino
Acid Sequence
Name:_________________________________________ Date:________________ Per:_______
Analysis Questions:
1. Which type of mutation (substitution, insertion, or deletion) occurred in Data Table 1
and how do you know? 3pts
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2. Describe the differences between the original and mutated sequences. 3pts
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3. How many amino acids were changed? 1pt_____________________________________
4. What do you think will be the impact of this mutation? Why? 3pts
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5. Which type of mutation (substitution, insertion, or deletion) occurred in Data Table 2
and how do you know? 3pts
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6. Describe the differences between the original and mutated sequences. 3pts
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7. How many amino acids were changed? 1pt_____________________________________
Name:_________________________________________ Date:________________ Per:_______
8. What do you think will be the impact of this mutation? Why? 3pts
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9. Explain why all mutations are not necessarily harmful. 3pts
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