DNA and Genes Lab Activity
Complete your answers in the spaces provided. USE YOUR OWN WORDS â Yes even
for definitions! Remember to add your last name and first initial to the file name prior to
saving and submitting your completed assignment through Canvas.
Use your textbook, notes and these websites to answer the pre lab questions.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/molecules/transcribe/
http://www.vcbio.science.ru.nl/en/virtuallessons/cellcycle/trans/
Pre Lab Questions:
1. What is the product of transcription?
2. What is the region of DNA called where transcription begins?
3. What is the product of translation?
4. In your own words define each of the following:
Silent mutation
Missense mutation
Nonsense mutation
Frame shift mutation
5. Where in the cell does translation take place?
Click on the link below to access the online lab.
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs_2K8/pages/DNA_And_Genes.html
Download and print the instructions for reference as you work through the lab. As you work through the lab fill in the table below. Use this information to answer the questions that follow contained in this document.
First read through the mutation guide. Once you close the guide you will see the buttons to begin the simulation. Note, you will be translating the mRNA strand into a protein. As you work through each of the mutations fill in the charts below. You must complete 4 mutations for this lab activity. Itâs good practice working with the codon table .
â Aris labs calls the codon table the âGenetic Code Chartâ. Use the amino acid abbreviation for the protein sequence. For example the amino acid proline is abbreviated as pro.
You have to fill in all the letters AND the resulting amino acid sequence by dragging and dropping before you click the [check] button. Abrieviate STOP as either STP or END.
For each of the three mutations you will complete, fill in the table in this lab document with the original mRNA and amino acid sequence and the mRNA sequence and the resulting amino acid sequence RESULTING FROM the mutation as outlined in the mutation rule.
The various mutations represent missense, nonsense, silent and frame shift mutations. You must complete one of each. The lab will not necessarily present the mutations in this order. You must do the mutation and identify which type it is and make sure you do one of each.
6. Frame Shift Mutation example:
Provide the mutation rule you are following.
Original A. Acids
Original mRNA
Mutated mRNA
Mutated A. Acids
7. Missense Mutation example:
Provide the mutation rule you are following.
Original A. Acids
Original mRNA
Mutated mRNA
Mutated A. Acids
8. Nonsense Mutation example:
Provide the mutation rule you are following.
Original A. Acids
Original mRNA
Mutated mRNA
Mutated A. Acids
9. Silent Mutation example:
Provide the mutation rule you are following.
Original A. Acids
Original mRNA
Mutated mRNA
Mutated A. Acids
Post Lab Questions
10. From the mutations you have explored, which one is the least severe. Explain your answer.
11. From the mutations you have explored, which one is the most severe. Why?
12. Aside from silent mutations which have no effect on amino acid sequence, are all mutations bad? Explain your answer.
