Protein Synthesis Lab

   
    There are many steps required to make a protein. First, RNA polymerase reads and copies the DNA code or gene for a protein as an mRNA copy through the process of transcription. Transcription happens in the nucleus. In the process of transcription, DNA unzips. Then, RNA polymerase matches spare nucleotides to make an RNA strand. mRNA is produced and leaves the nucleus for the cytoplasm. After transcription happens, the mRNA arrives at the ribosome. In the process of translation, the ribosome reads RNA three bases at a time and translates DNA language into protein language. Each three-base sequence is called a codon. Each codon codes for one amino acid.

A mutation is a change in DNA code. An insertion is a mutation in which an extra base pair is put in code. A deletion is a mutation where a base pair is left out of the code. The mutation substitution happens when one nucleotide is substituted for another. In my opinion, substitution affected the protein the least because it only changed one nucleotide. A deletion affected the protein the most when it was added in the beginning because it changed every nucleotide after it was added. It does matter where the mutation occurs when it is a deletion or insertion because all the code after the added or deleted nucleotide is affected.

   

 In step 7, I chose to do a deletion. I think that a deletion affects the DNA code the most. It does matter where the mutation occurs. I put my deletion in the beginning, so all my code was affected.

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This is a picture of a child with Progeria.
Mutations can have a big impact on a person's life. They can create genetic disorders. Progeria causes accelerated aging. Most children who have progeria die at the age of 13. Their death is causes by a stroke or heart attack. Progeria is caused by a mutation that is located on the LMNA gene which is a protein. This protein gives support to the cell nucleus.