22 Computer Simulation of DNA Replication and Expression key p. 177

Genetic Code Translator
  1. THE BUILDING OF A DNA MOLECULE

    Build a DNA molecule using the information in the computer program. Illustrate the molecule that you constructed below.
    example

  2. DNA REPLICATION

    1. In a typical eukaryotic cell, what must happen before DNA replication can occur?
      The two parent strands must be separated, aided by enzymes

    2. When in the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
      S subphase of interphase.

    3. What is happening to the chromatid number per chromosome of a eukaryotic cell as a consequence of DNA replication?
      Each chromosome has 2 sister chromatids after replication.

    4. p. 178 Copy the left strands of the original DNA sample by clicking on the appropriate base name. Each new DNA molecule consists of one parent strand and one newly synthesized strand. As each new DNA molecule is composed of one parent strand and one newly-synthesized strand, DNA replication is called semi-conservative replication.

    5. Why the need for DNA replication?
      The cell needs to replicate its DNA to prepare for cell division.

  3. RNA STRUCTURE

    Draw a RNA nucleotide:
    example

    List 3 structural differences between DNA and RNA

    1. DNA has deoxyribose sugar, RNA has ribose
    2. DNA is usually double-stranded, RNA single-stranded
    3. DNA has Thymine, RNA has Uracil as one of its pyrimidines

  4. TRANSCRIPTION OF THE DNA CODE

    1. What molecule does the DNA transcribe which will then be translated alongside the ribosome?
      mRNA

    2. Where is this molecule formed in a eukaryotic cell?
      Nucleus

    3. Where is this molecule found in a prokaryotic cell?
      Cytoplasm

    The enzyme RNA polymerase begins the transcription process by binding to the promoter site on the DNA molecule. Transcription begins when the hydrogen bonds break between the two DNA strands so that the strands can separate.

    p. 179 Copy the DNA code from the screen. As you transcribe the code, record the letters you are typing.

    Given DNA:  New mRNA:
    AGCUCG
    TGGACC
    ACTUGA
    ACGUGC

    Choose the correct order for the steps of transcription listed.

    1. RNA polymerase binds to a specific site (the promoter) on the DNA.
    2. Hydrogen bonds between bases break allowing the DNA strands to separate.
    3. mRNA is transcribed from the sequence of bases on DNA (RNA and DNA nucleotides form base pairs).
    4. mRNA moves into the cytoplasm with its message.

  5. POLYPEPTIDE SYNTHESIS - PART 1

    Show the bases of the mRNA strands on the screen. Record the corresponding amino acids below.

    Given mRNA:  Amino acid:
    UUALEU
    CCAPRO
    CACHIS
    UGUCYS
    UAGSTOP

    Next on the data sheet, provide the triplet code (codon) from mRNA that matches the given amino acid.

    Given amino acid:  mRNA codon:
    METAUG
    ALAGCx
    LYSAAA, AAG
    ASPGAC, GAU
    GLUGAA, GAG

    Translation takes place at structures in the cytoplasm called ribosomes.

  6. POLYPEPTIDE SYNTHESIS - PART 2

    Draw and label a typical tRNA molecule.
    example

    1. p. 180 What part of the tRNA molecule determines where the tRNA attaches to the mRNA?
      anticodon

    2. What anticodon corresponds to the codon CUU?
      GAA
    For the mRNA given, record the base sequence and the tRNA anticodon that would correspond.

    mRNA:  tRNA:
    CUUGAA
    AAGUUC
    GCCCCG
    UGUACA
    CUUGAA
    GUCCAG
    GCCCGG

    You will be given the beginning of the DNA code for a gene that directs the production of the polypeptide covering for the HTLV-11 virus that causes a type of leukemia.

    1. Copy the DNA sequence below.
      ATG GGT AAT GTT TTC

    2. Transcribe the mRNA for the given DNA sequence and record it below.
      UAC CCA UUA CAA AAG

    3. Give the corresponding tRNA anticodon.
      AUG GGU AAU GUU UUC

    4. Give the corresponding sequence of amino acids.
      TRP PRO LEU GLN LYS

    List the 4 steps in building a polypeptide:

    1. Transcribe mRNA
    2. tRNAs carry amino acids to the mRNA
    3. mRNA associates with a ribosome
    4. amino acids form a chain (protein)

    1. When is the protein actually formed?
      When the polypeptide chain is released from the ribosome.

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Lab notes made Nov 09, 2009 by Peter Chen