Lesson: Mutations
Unit 8: DNA, Protein Synthesis, and Genetic Technology
Date: __________________
Biology
Objective: SWBAT analyze mutated DNA sequences and determine the effect of the mutation on the protein
products
Do Now
Imagine a ribosome lost its ability to create peptide bonds. How would this effect translation?
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Mutations
 In 30 seconds, write down five words that come to mind when you think of mutations.
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 Mutation: __________________________________________
 A ________ mutation is a change in
_____________________________.
THE CAT ATE THE RAT

THE CAT ATE THE MAT
 A __________________ mutation is when a
base is ________________ or
____________________. This changes how
the _______________________________.
THE CAT ATE THE RAT

THE ATA TET HER AT
>> Check for Understanding
1. Which type of mutation do you think is more harmful: point mutations or frameshift mutations?
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2. Why did you pick this?
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Mutagens
 __________________________________________________________________________
 What are some examples of mutagens? ___________________________________________
Sickle-Cell Anemia
A mutation in the gene for hemoglobin (a protein found in blood
cells) causes cells to be shaped like crescents.
Prevents red blood cells from flowing normally, causing severe
pain and other side-effects.
1. Determine the amino acid sequence of the normal
and sickle-cell hemoglobin proteins.
Original
C A G G T G G A C T G A G G A C T C C T C
DNA
Original
mRNA
Amino
Acids
Mutated
C A G G T G G A C T G A G G A C A C C T C
DNA
Mutated
mRNA
Amino
Acids
2. Is this an example of a frameshift or a point mutation?
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The Brotherhood of Mutants
The X-Men are a group of superheroes that have species powers because of their possession of the “X-Gene”. This “XGene” is actually a group of different genes. Below, you can read about three X-Men who have three different “X-Genes”.
Answer the questions about their mutations!
STORM - She has the amazing ability to change the weather whenever she pleases and has a special connection with
the environment. These powers are the result of the mutation below.
1. Determine the normal amino acid sequence
2. Determine the mutated amino acid sequence.
3. What type of mutation is this?
Original
DNA
Original
mRNA
Amino
Acids
A
C
C
G
G
T
A
G
G
G
A
C
Mutant
DNA
New
mRNA
Amino
Acids
A
C
C
G
G
T
A
G
G
G
A
C
NIGHTCRAWLER - Nightcrawler is able to perform teleportation (meaning that he can travel by simply appearing at his
destination), he has amazing night vision, and he is a superhuman gymnast. He can also stick to walls and blend into
shadows. These powers are the result of the mutation below.
4. Determine the normal amino acid sequence
5. Determine the mutated amino acid sequence.
6. What type of mutation is this?
Original
DNA
Original
mRNA
Amino
Acids
A
A
A
G
T
A
G
T
A
C
C
A
Mutant
DNA
New
mRNA
Amino
Acids
A
A
G
T
A
G
T
A
C
C
A
A
ROGUE - Rogue considers her powers a curse: she involuntarily absorbs and sometimes removes the memories,
physical strength, and (in the case of superpowered persons) the abilities of anyone she touches. These powers are the
result of the mutation below.
7. Determine the normal amino acid sequence
8. Determine the mutated amino acid sequence.
9. What type of mutation is this?
Original
DNA
Original
mRNA
Amino
Acids
A
G
G
G
A
C
C
A
T
T
A
C
Mutant
DNA
New
mRNA
Amino
Acids
A
G
G
G
A
C
C
G
T
T
A
C