Mutation wrap up

Wednesday April 10^th

A frameshift mutation early in a gene is most likely to have which effect on the protein for which the mutated gene codes?

A.  The protein will be silent

B.  the protein will have extensive incorrect amino acid sequences

C.  the protein will perform its function better than a nonmutated copy

D.  the protein will function normally because any changes will be minor

*** In a frameshift mutation a nucleotide is added or deleted from the sequence which will affect ALL amino acids after it.  ***

The genetic code is classified as redundant because more than one codon codes for most amino acids.  This feature of the genetic code makes which type of mutation possible?

A.  Silent B.  nonsense C.  frameshift D.  catastrophic

** a silent mutation is caused by a change in the nucleotide sequence that does not affect the amino acid sequence.  This can happen because so many amino acids are coded for by multiple codons

How do mutations in an organism’s genetic code alter the function of newly produced cellular proteins?

A.  by destroying the fatty acids in the protein structure
B.  By changing the direction in which the protein code is read

C.  by altering the sequence of monomers that make up the protein

D.  by preventing the formation of chemical bonds that hold atoms together.

**  A mutation (or change in nucleotide sequence) ultimately changes the amino acid sequence of a protein which alters its function.  The term "monomer" was used here to imply the subunits that make up proteins)

We finished our Mutation notes today focusing mostly on chromosomal mutations this time and we finished with a NOVA science Now video that gives you a little intro into WHY we care about this.  I know the last couple weeks have been pretty dry and it seems like all a bunch of useless knowledge.  We will now spend a couple days looking at how ALL this knowledge of DNA and genetics is being used in society.