1. An error occurred when DNA was being transcribed to mRNA and the sixth nucleotide was left out by accident on the mRNA strand.
a) What kind of genetic mutation is this? ________________________________
b) What is the result of this type of mutation?
2. An error occurred when DNA was being transcribed to mRNA. The original DNA sequence was TAC GGA ACA and a G was placed in the sixth nucleotide position instead of an A. HINT: you must convert the DNA sequence to a mRNA sequence in order to read the codon chart.
a) What kind of genetic mutation is this? _________________________________
b) What is the result of this type of mutation?
3. What happens when a nonsense mutation occurs in DNA?
4. Can an amino acid have more than one codon? Explain.
Biology 12
5. Can a codon have more than one amino acid? Explain.
8. Explain the 3 main steps involved in the translation of a protein. Use clear point form.
Step 1: ____________________________
Step 2: ____________________________
Step 3: ________________________
9. Complete the following chart:
Template strand of DNA TAC AAA TTT CGC ATT mRNA (codons) tRNA (anticodons)
Amino acid sequence
Biology 12
Protein Synthesis & Mutations Question Package Key
1. An error occurred when DNA was being transcribed to mRNA and the sixth nucleotide was left out by accident on the mRNA strand.
a) What kind of genetic mutation is this? FRAMESHIFT DELETION
b) What is the result of this type of mutation?
A completely non-functional protein because the sequence of codons is changed and no longer is the correct set of instructions for the original protein being made.
2. An error occurred when DNA was being transcribed to mRNA. The original DNA sequence was TAC GGA ACA and a G was placed in the sixth nucleotide position instead of an A.
a) What kind of genetic mutation is this? POINT MUTATION
b) What is the result of this type of mutation?
DNA TAC GGG etc mRNA AUG CCC instead of AUG CCU, but CCU and CCC both code for Proline, so this is a SILENT MUTATION
3. What happens when a nonsense mutation occurs in DNA?
- A nonsense mutation is when a codon is changed to a stop codon and protein synthesis stops before the protein is completed
4. Can an amino acid have more than one codon? Explain.
Yes. According to the table there are multiple codons for some amino acids. E.g. AGA and AGG both code for arginine E.g. CCU, CUC, CUA, CUG all code for leucine
** The only amino acid which has one codon is methionine (start codon)
Biology 12
5. Can a codon have more than one amino acid? Explain.
NO. Every codon codes for one and only one amino acid, or STOP codon.
RNA polymerase identifies the TATA box (promoter site) on the DNA and unwinds a section of the DNA Free floating complementary RNA nucleotides bond with one strand of the open section of DNA until the RNA polymerase reaches the termination site (end of the gene) mRNA breaks free of the DNA and travels out to the cytoplasm
8. Explain the 3 main steps involved in the translation of a protein. Use clear point form.
Step 1: Initiation
A small ribosomal subunit attaches to the mRNA molecule at the site of the start codon (AUG). The first tRNA pairs with the start codon. Then a large ribosomal subunit joins to the small subunit to form a functional ribosome.
Biology 12
Step 2: Elongation
The polypeptide chain lengthens one amino acid at a time. An incoming tRNA-amino acid complex bonds to its matching codon on mRNA The amino acid carried by the first tRNA-amino acid complex is passed to the amino acid of the incoming tRNA and forms a peptide bond creating the beginning of a polypeptide chain. The empty tRNA then detaches off of the mRNA and goes back into the cytoplasm to pick up another amino acid. This process repeats over and over.
Step 3: Termination
The polypeptide chain continues to grow until a STOP or termination codon is reached on the mRNA. Instead of carrying an amino acid, the tRNA with the correct anitcodon for the STOP codon on mRNA carries a release factor which cuts the polypeptide chain from the last tRNA. The ribosome and mRNA then break apart and are recycled until another protein is needed.
9. Complete the following chart:
Template strand of DNA TAC AAA TTT CGC ATT mRNA (codons) AUG UUU AAA GCG UAA tRNA (anticodons) UAC AAA UUU CGC AUU Amino acid sequence Methionine Phenyl Alanine Lysine Alanine - Stop